Businesses in Gloucester city centre are being helped to protect themselves from theft through the use of the latest forensic technology, SmartWater.
Smart Water City, a new scheme led by Gloucestershire Constabulary in partnership with Gloucester BID, crime reduction partnership Gloucester City Safe and manufacturer DeterTech, is helping city businesses deter theft and support police investigations when it happens through the use of SmartWater – a clear, traceable liquid that's used to mark items of value.
Not easily seen by the naked eye, SmartWater shows up under ultraviolet light. Marked items can then be traced back to their owner through its unique coding.
Steve Lindsay, manager of Gloucester City Safe, explained: 'SmartWater is an effective forensic marking system that has been found to be more identifiable and accurate like DNA. It has a 100 per cent conviction rate in contested court cases and is an excellent deterrent against shoplifters and thieves.
'Working hand in hand in partnership supporting one of Gloucester BID’s key objectives, which is to create a safer city, the Smart Water project sends a clear message to would-be shoplifters that we are fighting back.'
More than 60 Gloucester businesses have now signed up to the scheme, following a launch event in Kings Square last week.
Participating businesses are provided with a SmartWater pack worth £250, containing signage and labels to deter shoplifters, along with SmartWater liquid with which they can uniquely mark their property.
Gloucestershire Constabulary chief inspector, Ash Shingler, said: 'By working in partnership with local businesses and equipping them with this proven forensic technology, we are making it clear that offending in our city centre will not go unnoticed.
'This initiative is about prevention as much as enforcement, creating a visible deterrent, supporting investigations, and ultimately protecting our business community. I would encourage all city centre businesses to get involved and be part of this united effort to keep Gloucester safe.'
Gloucester BID is encouraging more city businesses to sign up to the scheme, by getting in touch on its website, visit gloucesterbid.uk for more information.
