Forensic science helps protect residents from crime in Whitchurch
Forensic science technology is being used to help protect residents' homes on a Whitchurch estate. West Mercia Police is to issue people living in and around Manor Place with Smartwater crime reduction marker kits.
The move has been financed by the Police Authority's community initiatives fund and is designed to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour as well as boosting people's confidence in their local area.
Inspector Rick Klair, who is in charge of policing for north Shropshire, successfully applied to the Police Authority for a £600 grant to buy 40 of the special kits.
They will enable residents to security mark their valuables with a clear water-based solution which contains a unique code. Invisible to the naked eye, Smartwater can only be seen under ultra-violet light.
The system has proved successful in reducing crime in other areas and also in identifying stolen property when recovered.
Inspector Klair said: "I am delighted the Police Authority has seen fit to finance this initiative. The police and partner agencies have identified Manor Place as an area where people's confidence needs to be boosted - and this is one positive way of achieving that.
"It will provide added protection to people's property and also act as a deterrent to criminals. The Meres and Mosses Housing Association has already provided funding to provide similar cover to its homes as well as for some privately owned homes on the estate.
"The intention is to reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. By working with residents on initiatives like this, the police and partner agencies hope to improve the sense of security and well-being within the local community," Inspector Klair added.
