Wellington allotment holders get smart to stop crime
Telford & Wrekin Council, West Mercia Police and local allotments holders in Wellington have joined forces to stop criminals in their tracks by marking gardening equipment with SmartWater after a series of burglaries.
Allotment holders alerted the crime prevention team after a number of items such as lawn mowers and electrical equipment has been stolen of the last few months. Since coming together, they have identified several ways of improving the security of the site such as introducing SmartWater.
SmartWater consists of a liquid containing a code which can be read under ultraviolet light. It is intended to be applied to valuable items, so that if they are stolen and later seized by the police, their original owner can be determined.
Police Officers who are armed with Ultra violet torches can scan stolen property to ascertain it if it has been marked.
Malinsgate custody suite has the facilities to scan offenders to see if they have any of the marking on their clothes. SmartWater is also available on a sprinkler system which sprays burglars, this liquid lasts on clothing for months.
Councillor Hilda Rhodes, cabinet member for Transport and Community Protection, said; “By introducing SmartWater to the allotment holders, we have been able to reassure them that both the council and police are aware of the issues and are helping them to protect their property.
“At the same time, signage has been installed at key entrance and exit points sending out a clear message to potential burglars that the site is now marked.”
