DeterTech has reported that Gloucester has officially become a SmartWater protected city, marking a step forward in proactive crime prevention. The initiative will see hundreds of forensic marking kits distributed to retailers and businesses.
Funded by the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner and Gloucester Business Improvement District, and delivered by Gloucestershire Constabulary, the scheme is intended to support 300 shops in the city centre. It marks a welcome intervention in tackling a national rise in retail crime.
Ash Shingler, Chief Inspector, Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “The launch of the SmartWater City campaign marks an important step in strengthening our approach to tackling crime in Gloucester. By working in partnership with local businesses and equipping them with this proven forensic technology, we are making it clear that offending in our city centre will not go unnoticed. This initiative is about prevention as much as enforcement, creating a visible deterrent, supporting investigations, and ultimately protecting our business community. I would encourage all city centre businesses to get involved and be part of this united effort to keep Gloucester safe.”
Steve Lindsay of Gloucester City Safe / Gloucester Business Improvement District added: “SmartWater is an effective forensic marking system that has been found to be more identifiable and accurate like DNA. It has a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases and is an excellent deterrent against shoplifters and thieves. Working hand in hand in partnership supporting one of Gloucester BID’s key objectives, which is to create a safer city, the SmartWater project sends a clear message to would-be shoplifters that we are fighting back.”
