Readers might remember hearing news earlier in the year of parking meters on the Island being broken into and cash money stolen.
The council tell us this afternoon that the crime busting ‘Smartwater’ technology (we’re sure you’ve all seen the ads on the ferries) is being used in a new initiative to protect the revenue-raising machines.
We understand that the Island is the first place in the UK to be using the technology to protect its parking meters in a collaboration between the IW Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) and the Isle of Wight Council, the police, Parkeon and Smartwater.
What’s Smartwater?
Smartwater technology uses a harmless sustance that sprays anyone who tampers with the item it is protecting.
The substance, which can be spotted under UV light, remains on the person sprayed for months and its unique code wil match the suspect to the scene of the crime.
All parking meters on the Island will now sport a sticker pointing out that it is protected by Smartwater technology.
Chief Inspector Mark Bell from Hampshire Constabulary said “Parking meters have been targeted in recent months, on occasions by visitors to the Island. SmartWater can forensically link the culprit to the offence and we welcome the use of the technology to prevent crimes and to help the police to catch and convict any further offenders”
Cllr Edward Giles, cabinet member with responsibility for transport said “Theft from parking meters affects council tax payers because the money gathered from parking charges helps fund transport schemes. The cost of replacing or repairing meters damaged during thefts also falls on the council tax payer.
“Therefore we are keen to stamp out these thefts and are confident the presence of Smartwater will prove an effective deterrent – or help catch those responsible”
Image: Sklathill under CC BY-SA 2.0
