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Smartwater, used for the marking of IT and electrical items, was first introduced to all 51 schools in North West Leicestershire in May 2004.
A water – based solution, it provides a "forensic fingerprint". Since the introduction of Smartwater, IT burglaries in schools in the area has continuously reduced. A total of 29 IT related burglaries were recorded in the year prior to the Smartwater marking. In the last 12 months this has reduced to 10; a reduction of 65pc.<br><br>Chief Supt for the North Area Geoff Feavyour said: "We know that Smartwater works. We now have the proof. Burglaries at school premises rob our childrens education, and I am delighted that our Smartwater initiative has proved so successful at reducing these offences." Smartwater kits and signage was provided to all the schools free. The funding for these being paid for by a joint Partnership between the Police and North West Leicestershire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.<br><br>What they say<br><br>Chairman of the Partnership Derek Howe said: "I am very pleased with these results and hope that they carry on in the future. Schools can ill- afford to replace stolen equipment. These results are excellent." Crime Reduction Officer for the area PC Michael Kaiser said: "Smartwater is an effective deterrent and has demonstrated it’s capacity to assist in reducing burglaries in schools within the North West Leicestershire area. It is an important element in Crime Reduction Strategies."<br>
