sMaRtWatERsEaRCHLIGHt

Church Lead Thieves Convicted 2

Cash Gangs Behind Bars 3

Nottingham Crime Drops 4

Crooks Fear Water 5

Landlord Aid for Homes 6

InsIDE IssUE 9

www.smartwater.com

Pictured: Traces of SmartWater were all over the VW Golf getaway car (photo courtesy of Sussex Police) Inset: Anthony McGovern and Eugene Douglas

The number of SmartWater assisted criminal convictions now stands at over 1,000, after three men were convicted of a robbery at Brufords Jewellers in Eastbourne.

Anthony McGovern, 24, Eugene Douglas, 22, and a 17 year old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, all pleaded guilty to robbery at Brighton Crown Court. At the time of their arrest the offenders, along with their clothes and getaway vehicles, were all covered in SmartWater. This formed a key component in the prosecution case against the gang. The three men, who were also found guilty of handling stolen goods, have been remanded in custody whilst they await sentencing.

The gang wore dark clothing and face masks as they entered Brufords Jewellers in Eastbourne,

A parking meter repairman who stole £70,000 from pay and display machines has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

CRIMINAL CONVICTION FOR SMARTWATER1,000TH

PRISON TIME FOR METER THIEF

stoP PREssSmartWater has signed a national contract with BT Openreach to protect its copper cabling infrastructure, which has recently become a target for persistent thieves.

Issue 9

knocking the shop manager to the floor and threatening customers. They then smashed open display cases and stole 32 Rolex, Breitling and Omega watches worth over £95,000. The store was fitted with a SmartWater Index Spray System which was activated as the gang made their escape, covering them in forensic solution. The men made off in a VW Golf switching soon afterwards to an Audi A4, which they subsequently crashed after a 90mph chase with Police through the streets of West Sussex.

Continued on Page 3

SEVEN YEARS FOR RUTHLESS CASH ROBBERA robber who was caught in possession of £9,000 he stole in an armed raid has been jailed for seven years.Gary Scott, 42, and an unknown thug brandished a handgun and repeatedly punched a cash-in-transit security guard as he collected takings from a Post Office in Ilford, Essex. The masked raiders grabbed two cashboxes containing bank notes and bags of coins. They then made their getaway in a stolen VW Polo.

Homing devices fitted to the cashboxes led Barking Flying Squad back to Scott’s Snaresbrook address. There they discovered £7,000 in bank notes hidden beneath his mattress along with £2,000 worth of stolen coins and a bag containing five bullets in an airing cupboard. Hydraulic cutting equipment, which had been stolen from a fire station, as well as other tools used by Scott to prise open the cashboxes were also seized.

Items of clothing, the tools, the bank notes and Scott’s bath and carpets were all splattered with purple staining ink from the cashboxes, which had activated as he attempted to remove the money. The ink contained a SmartWater forensic signature, directly linking him to the crime.

Continued on Page 5

Pictured: Arthur Blay

Arthur Blay was employed by Bristol City Council when he stole the cash over a six year period while repairing and maintaining parking machines around the city.

Once the Council became aware of the missing money they contacted Avon and Somerset Police for help. A covert operation was planned with assistance from SmartWater, involving the forensic marking of bank notes and coins left in the machines. Blay was arrested in possession of £3,727 including money that had been marked with SmartWater.

At Bristol Crown Court Blay pleaded guilty to two charges of theft from parking machines and possessing criminal property. He also admitted 21 charges of converting criminal property, relating to putting stolen money into his bank account in amounts varying between £600 and £1,250.

Pictured: One of the stolen Post Office cashboxes found in Gary Scott’s home

(photo courtesy of MET Police)

sMaRtWatER sEaRCHLIGHt

MEtaL tHEft: UPDatE

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Issue 9

METAL THEFT DAY OF ACTIONBritish Transport Police (BTP), Home Office forces and a variety of agencies including HM Revenue and Customs, The Environment Agency and SmartWater have come together for a nationwide ‘Day of Action’ targeting metal thieves. SmartWater Crime Prevention Operatives attended raids at scrap yards in Kent, Merseyside, Cambridgeshire and West Yorkshire to support local officers and search for metals marked with SmartWater.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Jones, who headed up the Day of Action for British Transport Police, said: “Cable and metal theft is high on BTP’s and Home Office Police’s agenda due to the disruption and economic effect it has on businesses and communities and we will be working to drive home that message.”

SmartWater Chief Executive, Phil Cleary, said: “A large number of SmartWater personnel were involved in the Day of Action and in supporting Law Enforcement Agencies across the UK. We will continue to do all we can to support these agencies to help combat metal theft.”

Pictured: SmartWater Crime Prevention Teams assisted Police Forces across the UK

NETWORK RAIL CABLE THEFT CRACKDOWN

Network Rail and SmartWater are working together to protect railway cable from theft in an area of the West Midlands. Each kilometre section of cable is being given its own SmartWater forensic code and recorded on a GPS satellite tracking system, so it can be traced back to its point of origin.

The strategy will be supported by covert operations deploying SmartWater spray systems which mark the skin and clothes of offenders. Surveillance equipment will also be used, including CCTV, GPS trackers and devices that set off an alarm when cables are disturbed. SmartWater operatives will also carry out sophisticated crime mapping analysis to identify potential hotspot areas.

Deterrent signage is being placed along trackside perimeters to warn any would-be thieves about the presence of SmartWater. Other measures also being

deployed include burying cable underground and using fibre optic cable that has no monetary value.

Network Rail Route Director, Jo Kaye, said: “Cable theft is a significant problem for the industry. As soon as a cable is cut, trains are safely brought to a halt to protect passengers and our people, but that can result in significant delays and disruption. The cost of repairs, disruption and manpower from the 85 incidents last year was nearly £4m. That is money lost to the industry that could be better spent on improvements.”

Detective Inspector Robin Conway, of British Transport Police, said: “Anyone arrested for theft on the railways will be examined for traces of SmartWater. Scrap metal dealers will be visited regularly to ensure they are assisting British Transport Police in identifying criminals attempting to sell stolen metal.”

Shaun Moore along with accomplices Shawn Walker and John Luckin were spotted removing large quantities of lead flashing from St Leonards Church in Colchester. A witness phoned the Police and all three men were detained at the scene whilst the SmartWater marked lead was retrieved from

Churches are fighting back against metal theft following a string of convictions. Thieves have received prison sentences because stolen lead was marked with SmartWater, providing the Police with crucial prosecution evidence.

their vehicle. Moore was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for the theft, while Lukin was given a 12 month conditional discharge and Walker received a 6 month Drug Rehabilitation Order.

In Durham, thief Liam Armstrong is awaiting sentencing for two church thefts in which he stole SmartWater marked lead. In May of last year Armstrong removed lead flashing from St Mary’s Church in Cockfield and sold it to a nearby scrap yard. It was then discovered by Durham Police’s PC Dave Williamson who obtained registration details of Armstrong’s vehicle, which had been used to transport the stolen metal. Armstrong was charged and bailed after the lead was positively identified by SmartWater scientists as belonging to St Mary’s, but whilst on bail he and three accomplices again stole lead, this time from Eggleston Abbey in Barnards Castle. Durham officers detained the men as they left the scene and discovered the stolen metal in their vehicle. All four gave ‘no comment’ interviews,

until Police told them the lead was marked with SmartWater after which they pleaded guilty.

Finally in Southampton, Police have recovered SmartWater marked lead belonging to the First Church of Christ Scientist, following a random roadside check. Stuart O’Dell and Shane Jeffrey both attempted to flee the scene after Police discovered the metal in their vehicle. During Police interview the pair also admitted to a further theft from St Edmonds Catholic church in Southampton. Stuart O’Dell was given 12 months in prison, whilst Shane Jeffrey was given a three year sentence also relating to other crimes.

Pictured: SmartWater marked lead will fluoresce under UV light

Pictured: St Leonards Church in Colchester

CHURCH LEAD THIEVES CONVICTED AND JAILED

stoP PREssG4S Cash Services (UK) has announced that its deployment of SmartWater has now been extended to include all cash-in-transit (CIT) and ATM deliveries throughout the UK.

Pictured: SmartWater evidence recovered from Brufords included the offender’s footprints

Sergeant David Tye, of Eastbourne CID, said, “This result serves as a reminder to potential offenders from far and near that Sussex is not a soft target and that Sussex Police will tirelessly pursue those responsible until they are in the dock of the crown court.”

SMARTWATER CONVICTIONS PASSES 1,000Continued from Page 1

A gang who stolen £95,000 worth of watches from a jewellers have pleaded guilty to robbery after being sprayed with SmartWater.

In the aftermath of the robbery, and still wet from being doused in SmartWater liquid, the gang made their getaway in a VW Golf before switching to an Audi A4. As Police pursued the gang at speeds of up to 90mph, the getaway driver crashed into the central reservation whilst attempting to get around a Police car. Only one of the stolen watches was recovered as prosecutors believe the rest of the haul was passed to another gang member who was never caught. Using a UV light Police found traces of SmartWater on all three men and in both stolen cars. They also recovered footprint evidence from inside the Jewellers.

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In London a gang who committed two violent robberies against CIT couriers has been jailed. Nicholas Bidar, Christopher Ryan and Thomas Pulhofer carried out two raids on security vans, one in which a courier was stabbed, and another involving a high-speed car chase, during which Bidar fired on Police officers with a handgun. Bidar received 17 years imprisonment for robbery and using a firearm with intent to resist arrest, whilst Ryan was given a six month suspended sentence and an 18 month supervision order. Pulhofer, who was the gang’s getaway driver, was sentenced to 7 years. All three were arrested in possession of SmartWater marked bank notes.

Also in London a gang has received a 23 year combined sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery of a G4S van in Islington. Police tracked a stolen cashbox to an

CASH GANGS BEHIND BARS

address where Flying Squad officers seized upon the gang, making six arrests. Daniel Mitchell and Ashley Atkin were found with SmartWater stained bank notes in their pockets, as was Mohammed Haliru who also had SmartWater on his trainers. James Lynch, John Smith, and Daniel Hynd were stopped in a car nearby. SmartWater stained bank notes and coins were found in the front and rear foot wells of the car, whilst James Lynch also had SmartWater on his trainers. Mitchell, Hynd, Lynch, and Atkin were each sent to prison for four years, whilst Haliru and Smith received three-and-a-half years.

Meanwhile on Merseyside, a gang who stole almost half a million pounds worth of cash and gems has received a combined sentence of 28 years. Warren Mortimer and Ian Edwards, who were once among Merseyside’s Most Wanted, carried out relentless attacks on jewellers and security vans. Together with Paul Hogan and Sean Lavin they preyed upon security guards as they transported cashboxes from shops. They were eventually caught in possession of SmartWater marked bank notes linking them to multiple robberies. Mortimer admitted two counts of robbery and theft, receiving an eight year jail term. Edwards was jailed for seven years, whilst Hogan and Lavin were both jailed for six years. According to Merseyside Police cash-in-transit attacks fell by 70% over a four month period once the gang were caught.

Over the last two years, more than 50 cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers have been convicted as a result of evidence provided by SmartWater. Now several gangs, well known to Police in London and Liverpool, have become the latest criminals to be put behind bars.

SmartWater was rolled out across 95 per cent of the businesses on Wellingborough’s Park Farm and Finedon Road Industrial Estates and since then crime has dropped dramatically.

Wellingborough Council’s Community Committee chairman, Malcolm Waters, said: “The proof now is there, that SmartWater works, and works well, so people will be encouraged to use it. At the beginning of 2009 we did have a high percentage of burglaries, not only on the industrial estates but domestic burglaries too, but since the introduction of SmartWater things have improved.”

All schools in Wellingborough have also started using SmartWater, whilst over 5,000 homes have been issued with the technology as part of a large scale Police roll-out to tackle domestic burglary.

Police figures have revealed that there has been only one theft on two of Wellingborough’s largest industrial estates in a year since the introduction of property-marking SmartWater.

BUSINESS CRIME PLUMMETS ON ESTATES

Pictured: Park Farm Industrial Estate

VIGILANCE PLEA FROM CCIAThe Catholic Church Insurance Association has called on parishioners to be extra vigilant to help put a stop to thieves targeting churches. The CCIA has issued more than 3,000 SmartWater forensic coding systems to Catholic churches in a bid to clamp down on the theft of lead and other metals.

The CCIA is appealing to communities to help Police in the fight against the metal thieves by reporting any unusual activities at their local church. Some thieves have even been known to strike in broad daylight whilst dressed in high-visibility jackets to disguise themselves as legitimate workmen.

Steve Aldersley, Claims Manager for The CCIA, said: “We are undertaking a range of preventative measures to help protect churches from thefts, and SmartWater is a key component in this. Communities have their own role to play in the protection of their local church and we would call upon residents to report anything suspicious to the Police or to phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Pictured: Nicholas Bidar, Christopher Ryan, and Thomas Pulhofer

nEWs In BRIEfSHOP OWNER FINEDA second-hand goods dealer has been fined £10,000 and given a 40-week suspended prison sentence after admitting 11 charges of handling stolen goods. Police tailed known thieves to Ghulam Ali Khan’s Leicester shop where stolen laptops, mobile phones and sat navs were all being sold on. Police seized more than 1,000 items, including several laptops marked with SmartWater. These were sent for analysis and identified as belonging to several nearby schools. The laptops have subsequently been returned to their owners.

The Safer Halton Partnership, which is made up of over 18 different organisations including Halton Borough Council, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Police, has issued almost 1,500 SmartWater kits along with home security advice, fire safety advice and free smoke detectors. An evaluation carried out by the Partnership revealed not only a huge drop in burglary, but also that fear of crime amongst residents had fallen. Of the 590 homeowners interviewed as part of the evaluation,

58.1% felt ‘very safe’ in their home, compared to just 28.6% before the Days of Action visits.

Mark Antrobus, Community Safety Supervisor for the Safer Halton Partnership said: “We are delighted that this initiative is continuing to have such a positive impact on the whole community. We will continue in our efforts to combat burglary and other crimes to reassure the communities of Runcorn and Widnes that this is a safe place to live.”

BURGLARY AND FEAR OF CRIME DOWN IN HALTON

PROTECTION FOR ISLAND PARKING MACHINES

NOTTINGHAM CRIME DROPSThe Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership (CDP) have treated their 50,000th home in Nottingham with SmartWater as part of an ongoing effort to drive down burglaries. SmartWater was first introduced into Nottingham homes in 2001 and since 2006 it has been a central part of the Nottingham CDP’s neighbourhood anti-crime Week of Action programmes.

In 2009 burglaries across Nottingham fell by 20%, whilst figures have also revealed a sharp fall in repeat victimisation as a result of the SmartWater project. Nationally, the level of repeat victimisation for burglary is 25%, but in Nottingham it has fallen to just 1% amongst homes protected by SmartWater.

Alan Given, Chief Executive at the Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership said: “Over the years the uptake of SmartWater by the residents of the city has been excellent and personal recommendations have ensured there is constant demand for it. Crime continues to fall in the city and the ever-expanding SmartWater footprint that stretches across the city has been pivotal in the huge reductions in burglary.”

Isle of Wight Council (IWC) has partnered with SmartWater to protect 140 pay and display car parking machines, following a spate of thefts.

The Parkeon meters are now being fitted with SmartWater spray traps, which will activate if anyone illegally tampers with the machines, spraying them with forensically coded water. The traps are being moved around the Island based on Police intelligence. IWC is the first local authority in the UK to protect pay and display terminals using this technology.

Cllr Barry Abraham, IWC cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: “Hopefully, the SmartWater sticker on each machine will deter

thefts but if someone does, nevertheless, attempt to remove the parking meter or get into the cashbox, they should be prepared to be sprayed with SmartWater.”

Chief Inspector Mark Bell from Hampshire Constabulary stated, “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.”

4 © SmartWater Technology Limited 2010.

Pictured: The Safer Halton Partnership during one of their Burglary Days of Action

Figures announced by the Safer Halton Partnership have revealed a 68% drop in domestic burglary within six high-risk communities across Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire. The Partnership has carried out 12 Days of Action over the past year, delivering targeting hardening and issuing SmartWater forensic coding systems to vulnerable residents and victims of burglary.

After a year of extensive research and a formal European Tender process, Harrow Council has passed plans to offer SmartWater forensic coding systems to all 85,000 houses and flats across the borough. In addition to the marking of household valuables, Harrow Police are being equipped with UV detection equipment and will commence a campaign of covert operations to target persistent offenders.

The Harrow deal is part of a framework contract for the whole of London, which means other London boroughs will be able to offer SmartWater to their residents without having to go through the same bureaucratic and time consuming procurement

HARROW SCHEME GETS GO AHEADprocess. Now that Harrow Council has completed this process it opens up the potential for a national framework agreement which could see SmartWater offered to 25 million UK households.

Cllr Susan Hall, deputy leader of Harrow Council, said: “Making this anti-theft system available to every household in Harrow sends the signal to burglars that picking on this borough could prove career limiting to you. The investment in this product is a substantial one. But our residents quite rightly demand safe streets, and we are confident that offering this anti-burglar system to every home will help to deliver that.”

Burglars have admitted they are giving a wide berth to homes protected by SmartWater technology, according to West Mercia Police Officer Royston Alderwick. PC Alderwick said he had spoken to burglars in Oswestry, Shropshire in recent months who all said they would not target homes with SmartWater stickers in the windows for fear of being caught.

PC Alderwick said: “I have spoken to Oswestry’s burglars and they all said they would not go near properties which had a SmartWater sticker on their windows. They are afraid they will be linked to the properties and to property stolen.” SmartWater kits are being distributed by Police to householders in the Oswestry area as part of an anti-crime drive.

CROOKS ADMIT TO A FEAR OF WATER

NEW CONTROL CENTRE UNVEILEDSmartWater has unveiled its newest weapon in the fight against crime; a high-tech control centre and mapping application powered by the latest MapInfoTM software. The sophisticated system will be used to undertake crime pattern analysis on behalf of SmartWater’s commercial clients. It will also map out potentially vulnerable sites and high-risk locations, from which covert operations can then be planned. Information is also being shared with regional Police Forces in the planning of ‘Days of Action’ at sites where thieves may attempt to sell on stolen SmartWater marked goods, such as scrap metal dealers.

SmartWater Chief Executive, Phil Cleary, said: “SmartWater is not just a product, we offer an entire risk management solution for commercial organisations, and the use of this new mapping software is a key component of this service. The use of this technology will allow us to carry out intelligence-led assessments of our client’s needs to ensure that they fully benefit from SmartWater’s ability to both detect and deter criminals.”

An armed robber who threatened a security courier with a handgun has begun a seven year prison sentence, after SmartWater evidence linked him to multiple robberies. At the home of Gary Scott Police seized bank notes, coins, tools, and clothing all covered in purple ink containing a SmartWater forensic code. Analysis of the SmartWater linked Scott to the Ilford Post Office robbery, whilst a separate SmartWater code was also found on the seized hydraulic cutting equipment. This linked him to a raid he carried out two months prior on a security van outside of Homebase in Dagenham.

Scott denied any prior knowledge of the Ilford raid and claimed he was set up by an underworld boss. His story was rejected by the jury, and he was convicted of conspiracy to rob, possession of criminal property and possessing ammunition

without a firearms certificate. The court also heard Scott had previously been jailed for three-and-a-half years in 2004 for threatening a pub landlord at gunpoint.

DI Ralf Kirchel of Barking Flying Squad said: “The diligence of officers brought about the conviction of a conspirator for an organised gun-enabled robbery where violence was openly used to reinforce threats. This result has assisted with the reduction of violent offences in north east London.”

Pictured: SmartWater’s new Control Centre

BOOT SALE HUNT FOR STOLEN GOODSRepresentatives from Trading Standards and SmartWater have joined Durham Police officers at Sedgefield Racecourse car boot sale to raise awareness of SmartWater and check for items marked with the substance.

Plain-clothed Police officers worked undercover, whilst uniformed officers worked in pairs checking electrical goods and tools on stalls. Although no stolen items were found, the operation presented a valuable opportunity to educate the public about SmartWater and provide information about how they can avoid buying and selling stolen goods.

Sedgefield’s Beat Sergeant, Brian O’Connor, said: “This sends out a positive message to members of the public that we are doing our best to try and detect stolen goods. We will proactively target outlets such as car boot sales. Although nothing was found during this operation, hopefully it will act as a deterrent against burglary and selling stolen items.”

Pictured: SmartWater’s Kevin Drewett helps Police hunt for stolen goods

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INITIATIVE BENEFITS TRAVELLERS AND HOMEOWNERS A Home Office funded initiative that set out to make residents feel safer as well as help people get back to work has benefited 750 homes in the London Borough of Southwark. The One to One programme, run out of the Peckham Settlement, provided residents with new locks, spy holes on front doors and SmartWater forensic coding to mark their valuables.

In order to carry out the work the project trained and employed people from The Job Centre Plus and the local Traveller community as handypersons. This is done to not only tackle unemployment, but to also build a greater sense of community cohesion between the Travellers and the local residents. More than 70 per cent of the residents helped by the scheme were over 60, and the rest were identified as people from areas with a high risk of burglary.

Ann-Marie Yiannis, Community and Programmes Manager of The Peckham Settlement said: “We had a target to reach from the Home Office, and we did not want to just reach the target we also wanted to train people from nearby traveller sites and from the job centre so it might help some people get work in the future.”

SEVEN YEARS FOR RUTHLESS CASH ROBBERContinued from Page 1

Pictured: Stolen notes found under Gary Scott’s mattress

Pictured: The cutting tools seized by Police(photos courtesy of MET Police)

ContaCt UsSmartWater’s infrastructure offers a range of support services to help ensure the SmartWater deterrent works for you. Our dedicated staff members are on hand to assist domestic users, businesses, commercial clients, Police, Local Authorities and more with their crime prevention and risk management requirements.

If you require any assistance, please contact SmartWater on 0800 521 669 or email enquiry@smartwater.com

SmartWater Technology Ltd has been named as the highest fundraiser in the Shropshire Star Corporate Challenge, in which over 40 West Midlands businesses raised money for children’s hospice charity Hope House.

Each company was given £50, and invited to use the money as a springboard for a host of fundraising activities over a three month period. SmartWater staff held a series of events including dress down days, raffles, cook-offs, table-top sales and a tombola, with all prizes donated by other staff members and their families. Several employees took part in a sponsored weight loss fundraiser, whilst another was sponsored to run a ½ marathon. SmartWater raised a total of £2,424.62, with every penny helping to provide support to terminally-ill children and their families.

Hope House Area Fundraiser, Rachel Thomas, said: “It is absolutely wonderful to have such strong support from a local company during these difficult times. SmartWater really pulled out all the stops and helped make our Corporate Challenge a great success.”

SMARTWATER TOPS FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

stoP PREssSmartWater has announced that it is launching its risk management services into overseas territories. Distribution deals have now been secured in France and Australia, with more announcements in other territories expected soon.

The use of SmartWater property marking by the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Fulham has helped achieved a massive drop in burglaries. The Munster Ward, which was in the top 20 most burgled areas in the UK, has seen a 43 per cent fall in crime since SmartWater was given out to homeowners. UV light arches have been installed in Police custody suites across the borough to check all prisoners and recovered property for traces of the solution.

CRIME HALVED ON LONDON WARDSgt Dave Turtle, from Munster ward said: “Now SmartWater has been introduced burglars are thinking twice about committing crime. The message to offenders is that the Police and council have a zero-tolerance policy to crime in this borough and if you steal something that has SmartWater on it, you might not know about it until you walk through our custody doors.”

Tel: 0800 521 669 Fax: 0870 242 4561 Email: enquiry@smartwater.com SmartWater Technology Limited PO Box 136 Telford TF3 3WY

WATER FIRMS GET SMART

Water suppliers, Anglian Water and Severn Trent Water, have introduced SmartWater following a spate of metal thefts which have seen the removal of steel mesh, walkway grids, plant machinery and copper cable.

Severn Trent, which provides water to homes across counties including Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Shropshire have suffered a number of thefts in the past 18 months, recording losses of £950,000. Over 500 sites are now deploying SmartWater. Fraser Pithie, senior operations manager at Severn Trent, said: “We have been looking at ways of making our sites

less vulnerable and finding better ways of tracking down those responsible for the thefts. All items at our sites are now marked with the SmartWater product.”

Meanwhile Anglian Water is using SmartWater at over 1500 of its water and wastewater treatment sites across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Lynda Chamberlain, Security Manager from Anglian Water said: “We are working together to help fight crime in the region, particularly related to metal thefts. One of the initiatives is to use SmartWater on equipment and materials at our treatment plants.”

Pictured: Anglian Water and Severn Trent Water are both using SmartWater to protect metals

LANDLORD AID FOR HOMESOne of the North West’s largest registered social landlords, Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH), is tackling crime in its communities with the help of SmartWater.

WPH Neighbourhood Wardens have been issuing SmartWater to vulnerable residents in an effort to reduce their fear of crime and also deter would-be thieves.

Empty properties which have been a target for metal thieves have also been getting the SmartWater treatment to make them less attractive to criminals. Central heating boilers, copper pipes and new kitchen units are now routinely marked with SmartWater and warning signs are erected on properties. In addition to this, Merseyside Police and Wirral Borough Council are carrying out spot checks on vehicles carrying metal through local ports or taking metal to local scrap yards.

WPH Neighbourhood Warden Dave Shirley said: ”WPH wants to see crime come down across Wirral and, thanks to SmartWater, we have taken a significant step in the right direction. We are sending out a clear message that if thieves try to target our customers, they are running a much higher risk of being caught and convicted.”

Pictured: WPH Neighbourhood Warden Dave Shirley has been introducing residents to SmartWater