Smartwater

 

An innovative and smart new tactic has been used to help further reduce crime in Sheffield.

 

As members of the Sheffield Safer Communities Partnership the Police, Council and Sheffield Homes have teamed up with residents to deliver the message to thieves ‘there is no hiding place for criminals’.

 

Over 1600 kits SmartWater kits were installed in homes in the Parsons Cross, Firth Park, Highfield, Batemoor, Manor and Richmond areas of Sheffield. Each resident’s property was marked and their details registered on a database.

 

Local resident Mrs Dee Senior of Wincobank says “I think it’s a wonderful idea, even better that it’s a free service! It’s particularly good because potential thieves know that my valuables are marked. I like the fact it’s individual to me and not just to the postcode of my house. I feel safer from burglars with Smartwater in my area”

 

SmartWater is a completely non-hazardous liquid that can be used to forensically code almost any property. SmartWater is practically impossible to completely remove from skin, clothing and footwear and can last on the offender’s skin for weeks and on clothes for even longer.

 

Each SmartWater kit is unique - like DNA is to every person - any recovered stolen property can be traced back to the exact place from where it was stolen and the offender can be linked back to the crime scene. Criminals can often be convicted of a crime long after it has taken place.

 

The solution is virtually undetectable under normal light and invisible to the naked eye however any traces of the liquid will glow yellow under ultraviolet light.  

Offenders can be detected more easily by police. Police Stations and officers are equipped with SmartWater UV torches and lighting systems.

 

Detective Chief Inspector Clive Wain “This is another tool we will use across Sheffield to detect crime and pursue the offenders. SmartWater is forcing criminals to think twice before committing a crime, as the risk of getting caught is simply too high.  We are able to place offenders at the scene of a crime, deter criminals and reassure the public that their property is safe.”

 

Councillor Bob McCann, Cabinet Member for Safer, Sustainable Communities says “This forms an integral part of our Partnership approach to making the Sheffield safer. SmartWater has proved extremely successful elsewhere in the country. SmartWater research shows you are five times less likely to be burgled if your property is protected by SmartWater and has a 100 per cent conviction rate. Our message is clear; there is no hiding place for thieves.”

 

January 2009