Devon and Cornwall Police has introduced a "new, quick and easy way of reporting lost property online".

The ReportMyloss website allows people to log their lost property using an online form, which will register the item on a police-approved, national database. Police throughout the UK will be able to view the database.

Police say they anticipate that the system will increase the chances of an item being found and returned to its owner. There is a simple form to fill in, which allows the person to review or edit the report as and when they need to. Lost property reports generate a reference number that can be used on insurance claims.

It is hoped that the new reporting system will help reduce the number of calls received by police via the 101 non-emergency number and also the amount of lost property handed into police stations – the majority of which is never returned to the owner.

Currently the police call centre receives up to 150 calls a day about lost property.

Assistant Chief Constable, Russ Middleton, said: “The new system will provide a very simple way for people to report their lost property from home or anywhere they have access to a computer or mobile device. People will also be provided with a reference number to put onto their insurance claim forms, if this is needed. “The system should significantly reduce the number of calls received by our call centre each day, freeing resources to deal with other issues.”

Police will be distributing posters and leaflets about the change, to help raise awareness of the new system.

For details, or to report a loss online, visit: www.reportMyloss.com.

For further information about lost and found property, or to download and print the new posters, visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/lost-and-found-property.