GEM experts are set to protect homeowners valuable jewellery as part of a unique crime-fighting service.

People are invited to take their treasured items to be valued and registered by a team who will be on hand at Bolton's H Samuel shop in Unit 9a, Market Centre from 9.30am to 4.30pm next Tuesday.

The jewellery will be valued and then registered -- in the same way as hallmarks -- and details then recorded on a central computer. If stolen the items can then be traced via the unique markings.

Previously the service has been offered at a percentage charge of the jewellery being marked.

But now the security valuations will be offered at a fixed price, with a £35 charge for the first item and £10 for subsequent items.