Norfolk Constabulary has received 12 portable UV torches kindly donated by SmartWater Technology and Anglian Water, which will be used to search for metals and other valuables marked with SmartWater forensic solution.
The torches will be used as part of Operation ARREST, which was launched by Norfolk Police to reduce rural crime especially at isolated sites across West Norfolk. A number of crime prevention tools have been implemented to crack down on crime, one of which is SmartWater.
Anglian Water is actively using SmartWater at over 1500 of its water and wastewater treatment sites. The forensic liquid has been applied to a wide range of Anglian Water property including plant machinery, metal grills, and copper cabling.
SmartWater is also being used within homes and businesses across the region to mark all kinds of valuables. In the event of a theft the UV torches will allow police officers to positively identify any marked property as well as offenders.
SmartWater works by assigning metals and other items of property with their own chemical code which is uniquely registered to its owner and is virtually impossible to remove. The invisible liquid can only be seen using UV light, which can then be analysed to trace any stolen goods back to their rightful owner. It also allows police to link offenders with a particular crime scene and pursue a criminal conviction.
Swaffham and Watton Inspector Ady Porter said: “The partnerships that the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams are forging with SmartWater Technology, Farmwatch, Breckland Council and the victims of rural crimes is looking to put the fear of being caught into the minds of those offenders who prey on rural communities.
“The initiative will give reassurance and confidence to our communities that we are addressing rural crime.”
Phil Cleary, Chief Executive of SmartWater said: “SmartWater has already been successfully used to convict metal thieves, and we will continue to work closely with the Police to help combat this nationwide problem. The use of these portable UV torches will allow Norfolk Police to carry out on the spot checks for SmartWater. The fact that these searches are taking places will hopefully act as a major deterrent to thieves, as there is a greater chance of them being caught and arrested.”
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 initiative is to use SmartWater on equipment and materials at our treatment plants.”
Tony Bone, Farmwatch said: “We are pleased to be working with the partner agencies in this initiative to tackle persistent criminals within the rural regions of Norfolk. We look forward to positive results from our combined efforts and an even safer Norfolk.”