Figures have been released of a six month property marking initiative that has been running in the Milton area of Sittingbourne, has resulted in a huge fall in burglary in the area.
In October 2008, residents in the Milton area were contacted to see if they would like advice about property marking and safeguarding valuables both in their home and in their gardens and sheds. Once people responded, officers then arranged to visit each householder and supplied them with SmartWater to forensically protect their property.
Each bottle of SmartWater has a unique forensic code and in many places, it has become a cornerstone in household and business security and one of the most powerful deterrents in the fight against crime. To deter any potential burglars, signage was also put up on lamp-posts and sticker in windows warning people that property in the area had been marked in this manner.
As part of a multi-agency initiative to tackle burglary in Swale, an ultraviolet detection suite was also installed in custody at Sittingbourne Police Station. All potential offenders and recovered stolen property are now being routinely scanned for SmartWater.
Nearly 100 households in Milton have so far taken advantage of the SmartWater property marking scheme and in the six months following the campaign launch there has only been one attempted shed burglary in the area. This is a fall of over 94% compared to the previous six months (in April - Sept 2008 there were 18 offences) and a reduction of nearly 88% compared to the same period in the previous year (in October 2007- March 2008 there were 8 offences).
In addition to the successful reduction in burglary, local residents have also reacted positively to the scheme. Prior to the introduction of this initiative, local residents were fearful of burglary in the area, but recent feedback provided to Kent Police has seen a marked reduction in the fear of crime. 69% said they felt safer knowing that Kent Police implements these sorts of crime prevention initiatives, whilst 93% said they thought it was a good idea for Kent Police to promote forensic marking to deter theft and burglary.
Chief Inspector Henley, Borough Commander for Swale, said, "We know from our PACT (Partners and Community Together) priorities that we need to help local residents tackle their fear of burglary. This property marking initiative was aimed at helping homeowners think about ways to protect their property and to give them practical assistance to safeguard their homes and valuables.
"I am extremely pleased with both the results of this local project and the very positive feedback from the community. This trial has proven that the use of forensic marking solutions like SmartWater, and the ability to detect such substances in our Custody Suites, can significantly reduce burglaries and improve public confidence.
"This was a small trial confined to approximately 100 residents, however, due to its success, we are hoping to work with our partners and rollout SmartWater to other locations around the Swale area.
"Criminals need to be aware that this new technology has a 100 per cent conviction rate to date with an irrefutable link to the scene of a crime and Kent Police are now looking for it as part of their every day business in the fight against crime."