Offenders' Perspectives - Independent Research
An independent evaluation of SmartWater led by Martin Gill, a Professor of Criminology at the University of Leicester, identified SmartWater as being more effective in deterring experienced criminals than security guards, burglar alarms, property marking and CCTV. The impact of SmartWater as a criminal deterrent even topped high-visibility police patrols.
In the study of over 100 experienced criminals, SmartWater came top, with a mean average of 8.3 out of 10, scoring considerably higher than security guards (4.9), burglary alarms (6.0), CCTV (6.2) and access control systems (6.9).
| Security Measure |
Av. Mean Score |
| SmartWater |
8.3 |
| High visibility police patrols |
7.4 |
| Ink dye tags |
7.2 |
| Access control systems |
6.9 |
| Window grills |
6.7 |
| CCTV |
6.2 |
| Burglar/intruder alarms |
6.0 |
| Cased merchandise |
5.9 |
| Electronic tagging |
5.0 |
| Security guards/ Store detectives |
4.9 |
| Property marking |
4.8 |
| Mirrors |
3.9 |
| Perimeter Fencing |
3.8 |
The report found that out of more than 100 offenders interviewed:
- 91% were aware of SmartWater and its abilities to forensically link criminals to a crime scene and property with its owner.
- 74% said they would abandon their plans to break into a building if a SmartWater warning label was on display.
- 70% stated that if stained by SmartWater Index spray they perceive it would be “very difficult” to remove.