Thieves should be aware that they are wasting their time in Mansfield and Ashfield, say Nottinghamshire Police – as the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is introducing crime-fighting measures throughout the area.
Around 4,000 SmartWater units have been distributed to homes and businesses, invisibly marking property such as jewellery, computers, motorbikes – and even lead flashings on churches. If a marked item is stolen, police can identify it, since the marking is permanent and shows up under ultraviolet (UV) light.
Nottinghamshire Police custody suites have permanent UV light strips and all police officers and police staff have access to portable UV lights, which are used routinely for checking suspect property and people.
Chris Thompson, Partnerships Officer for Nottinghamshire Police said: “We have given out thousands of SmartWater units free to residents, particularly targeting problem areas. I am delighted to say that the burglary rate in these areas has shown a reduction. We put posters up in prominent places, and businesses and homes have stickers to display in their windows or on their property. Word gets around quickly amongst would-be criminals, and once they know an area is using SmartWater, they leave that area alone because we can catch them literally red-handed.”
Volunteer John Vanaman distributes SmartWater to homes in the Oak Tree Estate on behalf of police. He said: “I can visit up to 12 properties a day and really enjoy it. I feel I’m doing something really useful in my spare time, and have had very positive feedback. SmartWater is a very effective deterrent, and it shows that police and partner organisations are doing something practical to help and reassure people.”
The scheme has been funded jointly by police, Nottinghamshire County Council, Ashfield Partnership Against Crime and Mansfield Partnership against Crime.
For further information about SmartWater in Mansfield and Ashfield, phone Chris Thompson on 01623 420999 ext 8053574 or for general information, visit:
