CHESHIRE’S Chief Constable David Whatton was on hand as Blacon officially kicked off its campaign to beat the burglar.
In conjunction with Chester and District Housing Trust (CDHT), police officers on the estate are rolling out the use of the crime busting SmartWater liquid across five areas in Blacon and College wards which have been highlighted as hotspots for burglaries.
“While burglaries are higher in those areas, compared to other cities we have substantially less,” said neighbourhood inspector Ian Thorp.
“However, we are determined to deter thieves from thinking Blacon is an easy target.
“In the areas we have identified we are providing support, and to reassure people, we are handing out free SmartWater kits to help them protect their property.”
The safe, clear liquid is invisible to the naked eye and is used to mark property forensically.
It contains a unique DNA-style code and the details of each tube are stored on a secure SmartWater database.
“It is distressing to have property stolen and never find it again.
“Any property recovered by, or handed in, to the police will be scanned with an ultraviolet light which will detect any SmartWater.
“The findings can then be checked against the SmartWater database to identify the lawful owner,” added Insp Thorp.
Officers also have other means to catch offenders in the act. SmartWater can be used as a forensic spray which marks the skin and clothes and allows officers to link people directly to the crime scene.
This method is already being used in Blacon and people going into custody are routinely checked for SmartWater. Police are also widening their net by taking to the streets with the technology to detect the liquid on anyone they stop check.
Officers on patrol in Chester now carry pocket torches which have an ultraviolet light used to detect the substance. Anyone found with the liquid on them will be dealt with robustly, say the police.
Chester detective inspector Pete Lawless said:“The scheme is supported by Cheshire County Council and other partner agencies and very soon there will be signs and stickers displaying fluorescent green hands popping up all over Blacon showing that SmartWater is being widely used.”
John Denny, chief executive of Chester & District Housing Trust, added:"We are fully committed as an organisation to help the police deliver this scheme throughout Blacon and other areas of Chester.
“We support the SmartWater initiative which will have a real impact on residents, helping to make them feel safer in their properties."
