AN INNOVATIVE smart new weapon is about to be used to help further reduce crime on the Island.
Introduced in a partnership between IW Police, the IW Council and other partners, Smartwater is a unique forensic coding system that can be used to catch criminals, identify property and deter burglaries.
SmartWater is a completely non-hazardous liquid that can be used to mark property or as a spray to shower intruders when they enter premises protected by the system.
Each batch has a unique ‘DNA-type’ forensic code tying its use to a specific location or item of property.
Once a suspect has been sprayed, the SmartWater will then fluoresce brightly when the offender is made to do the ‘Walk of Shame’ at an Ultra Violet corridor at Newport police station.
So sophisticated is the award-winning system that it can also identify how the suspect has come into contact with the Smartwater. Smartwater can last on the offender’s skin for weeks and on clothes for even longer.
The system is used successfully by 95 per cent of UK police forces and has a 100 per cent conviction rate.
Cllr. Diana Tuson, IW Council cabinet member for Safer Communities said: “We on the IW are lucky enough to live in one of the safest places in the UK.
“The beauty of Smartwater is that not only does it help in the detection of crimes, it is also a proven deterrent. Smartwater research shows you are five times less likely to be burgled if your property is protected by Smartwater.
Alex Hicks, Service Manager for the Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership, said: “This forms an integral part of our Partnership approach to making the Island even safer for residents and businesses alike. The main focus of the plan to start with is residential burglary. We are purchasing a number of Smartwater kits, each of which will be used to forensically code homeowner’s valuables. We are working closely with Neighbourhood Watch and Housing Associations and will be targeting vulnerable locations.”
Insp. Mark Bell said: “SmartWater has proved extremely successful elsewhere in the country and we are delighted to be working with the company and the IW Council to introduce it to the Island.
“The success of SmartWater is well known among the criminal fraternity. It is feared by criminals because they know it can be used to catch them long after a crime has been committed.”
The Police and the Council are currently evaluating where Smartwater can best be deployed. Elsewhere in the UK it has been successfully used in homes, businesses, warehouses, offices, factories, schools, colleges and hospitals. It is also proved effective in isolated areas and the Partnership is looking to do some work with beach huts owners.
