What is SmartWater?
First and foremost, SmartWater is a proven crime reduction strategy
which has been specially designed to not just drive down crime rates,
but help ensure they stay down. Incorporating the use of
state-of-the-art forensic technology and high-impact messages aimed
squarely at offenders, SmartWater deters criminal behaviour by waging
psychological warfare on burglars and thieves. This has been dubbed “The
SmartWater Strategy”.
Working closely with the police service, local authorities, schools,
councils and other partners helps establish SmartWater within a local
community, effectively creating a no-go area for criminals.
How does it work?
Central to SmartWater’s crime reduction strategy are two product types
which are used collectively to protect assets and valuables whilst
aggressively targeting ‘active’ criminals within the community:
|
1.
SmartWater Forensic Property Coding works by assigning
valuables, such as computers, laptops and overhead projectors
with their own DNA-style forensic code which is uniquely
registered to the owner. The solution is simply painted into the
nooks and crannies of objects, and once applied it is virtually
impossible to remove and is only visible under ultraviolet
light.
|
 |
|
The police
service is fully equipped to detect SmartWater and the true
owner of a ‘SmartWatered’ object can be established from a
sample the size of a pinhead. This means that police can prove
when an item is stolen, and tie the criminal back to the crime.
Because of the forensic nature of the product and the level of
support SmartWater has with Police and other local government
agencies, criminals have learnt that SmartWater can be used to
catch and convict them.
|
|
2. The
SmartWater Index Spray System is used in conjunction with the
property coding product to target and arrest persistent
offenders. The spray system is frequently used within
intelligence led covert operations organised by the police, but
can also be permanently installed within schools, businesses and
other establishments to protect, for example, IT areas and
points of entry.
The product is used to spray offenders with an invisible liquid
which marks the skin and clothing of the criminal. The product
contains a DNA-style forensic code which remains on the skin for
weeks and even longer on clothing, providing an undeniable link
with the crime scene. This means that criminals still face
detection and prosecution long after the crime has taken place. |
 |
Why do criminals fear
SmartWater?
The police’s use of SmartWater has heightened its value as a
deterrent because it greatly increases the chances of detection
if a criminal comes into contact with it. This attacks the
anxiety that exists within every offender; the fear of getting
caught. Police also highlight the ways in which SmartWater can
be used, convincing criminals that the risk of being caught is
simply too great, and making them abandon their plans in search
of a softer target. |
 |
Evidence that it works
– a proven track record
The impact of SmartWater as a criminal deterrent is becoming
increasingly apparent every day. Police forces across the UK are using
and supporting the SmartWater Strategy, and most importantly criminals
are taking notice – living with the fear of being convicted of crimes
long after they have taken place.
When SmartWater has been deployed by police forces on a large scale,
crime levels have dropped dramatically. The SmartWater Strategy
can be adapted to tackle different types of crime including: domestic
burglary, commercial burglary, school burglary, theft from motor
vehicles, race crime, and domestic violence.
|
Lead and
copper theft from roofs
Theft of lead and copper has increased dramatically over the
past 18 months as demand for non-ferrous metals in Far East
nations has increased pushing up the worldwide market price. As
a result, the large quantities of lead flashing and copper used
on the roofs of schools, churches and other buildings hold
significant value – something which has not gone unnoticed by
criminals. |
 |
| The use of SmartWater can assist
with the permanent marking of metals, which would otherwise be
impossible to identify as stolen. The system can even survive
the smelting process, making it virtually impossible for a
criminal to remove. |
Protecting school
property
Having the latest equipment freely available within schools is a
wonderful resource for both teachers and pupils alike, with laptops,
overhead projectors and other electronic equipment now common fixtures.
Unfortunately this wealth of riches can also make schools an attractive
proposition for burglars.
The theft of school equipment is not only financially painful; the crime
has a disruptive effect on the whole school. The financial implications
can often run into the hundreds or thousands of pounds, leaving teachers
and pupils disheartened and frustrated. What remains irreplaceable,
however, is any school coursework or projects that are saved on stolen
computers or laptops.
The deployment of the SmartWater Strategy is proven to reduce incidents
of school burglary by as much as 77%.
Find Out More
Please click
here to
download example case studies about the use of SmartWater in schools.
To find out more about SmartWater, contact us now:
Tel: 0800 521 669
Email: enquiry@smartwater.com
Web:
www.smartwater.com
|
 |
|
