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Home News Project to reduce domestic crime goes countrywide

Project to reduce domestic crime goes countrywide

by Andy Clutton

SmartWater deterrent labelA Police Scotland project that produced a 53% reduction in domestic housebreaking by using SmartWater technology and tactics has been extended across the country. As part of the national project, around 4,000 domestic properties throughout Pollokshields, Rutherlglen, Torry, Gullane, the Duddingston area of Edinburgh and the Stirling West area will be provided with traceable liquid packs to protect their personal possessions.

Tactics aimed at deterring criminal activity are also being implemented, including searches for SmartWater within police station custody suites and at second hand outlets, which will make it more difficult for thieves attempting to sell on marked stolen goods.  This is also being supported by a national media campaign.

These activities will generate significant awareness of the brand amongst criminals, creating a deterrent that will not only benefit homeowners, but also local businesses that are using the system.

SmartWater works by heightening the traceability of valuables and increasing the accountability of thieves. Once applied to an item the traceable liquid is almost impossible to remove and is only detectable under UV light.  Each bottle of traceable liquid carries a forensic code uniquely registered to the owner. In the event of a theft, the forensic code provides an irrefutable link back to the owner of the stolen goods and also links the criminal with the crime scene.

SmartWater Chief Executive Phil Cleary, said: “This is the first time that SmartWater has been rolled out on a national scale. We are committed to working in close partnership with Police Scotland to suppress crime by heightening criminal awareness of SmartWater and the threat it poses to their livelihood.”

The national rollout is supported by a range of organisations including the Scottish Government Community Safety, Scottish Neighbourhood Watch, Scottish Business Resilience Centre and various utility and insurance companies.

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