Crime Prevention Pilot Rolls Out in Greater Manchester
Thursday, 04 December, 2014
Jewellery under UV light
SmartWater deterrent label
In the lead up to Christmas, residents in Salford and Trafford will receive free SmartWater kits as part of an initiative to reduce burglary.
Each SmartWater kit contains a forensic traceable liquid that can be painted onto property and leaves an indelible mark which glows yellow under UV light. Anything marked with this liquid can be linked back to its owner if stolen.
Greater Manchester Police officers and PCSOs will be visiting homes in targeted streets in Trafford and Salford to distribute the kits which also include stickers to warn potential thieves that property is protected.
As well as helping police track stolen goods, SmartWater can also be deployed as a spray system to mark the skin and clothing of offenders in order to link them with a specific crime scene.
Superintendent Mark Kenny of Greater Manchester Police said: "We welcome the Salford and Trafford pilots and hope the initiative helps to reduce crime in these areas.
“We are working with local councils to roll out this project sending a very clear message to criminals that operate in these areas to beware.
“Our officers will proactively use the forensic traceable liquid to track down stolen property to not only bring criminals to justice but to return property to its rightful owner if its stolen.
“Along with increased patrols during the Christmas period this technology will aid police officers in keeping the streets of Greater Manchester safe”
Each custody suite in Trafford and Salford now has a UV light installed and all prisoners are scanned for traces of SmartWater as they are taken into custody. The liquid is also detectable by UV torches which are now being used by police officers and scenes of crime officers.
