Three Wellingborough Council members, who represent the Brickhill Estate, have saved up their allowances for the past two years to pay for 400 SmartWater system, which will be handed out free to homes by Councillors and police officers.
Cllrs Lora Lawman, Tim Allebone and Geoff Simmons saved up £4,998 for the kits, which allow homeowners to mark their valuables with an forensically coded solution, meaning it can be identified as stolen and acts as a major deterrent to thieves. This is the second time such a scheme has been undertaken on this estate.
Cllr Lawman said: "We saved up our allowance to use on SmartWater. For us it was very important to find something that people would appreciate us doing for them and get the most benefit out of. Having seen the excellent results, we all believed it was an excellent project to work on. It will effectively reduce the crime figures in the area."
Jocelyn Grove, who lives on The Hollies on the Brickhill Estate with her husband and three children, thinks the free distribution of SmartWater in the area is a great idea. She said: "I think it's a very good idea because there is, apparently, a lot of crime around here. Most people I know have a burglar alarm. It's certainly nice not having to pay. If the councillors want to spend their money on that then it's great and it helps reduce crime."
SmartWater uses a forensic code unique to each household signed up to the scheme. It has already been installed in 900 properties on the Brickhill Ward and following the latest distribution, SmartWater warning signs will be placed in the area to deter thieves.
Cllr Allebone said: "As councillors,we continually seek innovative ways to serve and support our community and we feel SmartWater is a good example of partnership engagement. It is establishing a successful track record in reducing crime while giving peace of mind, particularly to some of the more vulnerable sectors of the community."