Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards in Sefton are using a forensic marking product to protect their equipment after thieves targeted the charity earlier in the year.
SmartWater is a liquid that users paint onto valuables; each bottle contains an individual forensic code. The liquid can only be seen under ultraviolet light, and any marked items can be traced back to their owners. The RNLI, which provides the lifeguard cover with Sefton Council, has started to use the product in Sefton after thieves stole four quad bikes in February used by lifeguards for their patrols on Crosby, Ainsdale, Southport and Formby beaches.
Police have since recovered two of the bikes, but the other vehicles remain unaccounted for at a cost of ยฃ5,000 each.
All the equipment being used by RNLI lifeguards for their patrols on Seftonโs beaches is now protected by the marking product.SmartWater Chief Executive, Phil Cleary, said: โRNLI lifeguards carry out critical, lifesaving work and it is therefore imperative that everything possible is done to protect vital equipment from the risk of theft. The liquid provides robust forensic traceability, which has aided over 1000 criminal convictions. Anyone attempting to steal RNLI equipment in Sefton therefore faces a significantly increased threat of capture and conviction.โ
And Chris Ward, RNLI Lifeguard Manager, added: โThe fact that our lifesaving equipment is protected gives our lifeguards extra peace of mind that they will be able to continue their vital roles of saving lives at sea whilst ensuring that people have a safe and enjoyable visit to Seftonโs beaches.โ
