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Smartwater - Frequently Asked Questions What is the problem? It is well known that many thieves escape conviction because police are enable to identify the true owners of suspected stolen property found in their possession. Furthermore, thieves will routinely remove serial numbers from identifiable property or steal items that cannot be identified What is Smartwater and why is it the solution? Smartwater is controlled and manuflictured by the Forensic Science Service. It is a unique solution containing a blend of hamiless chemicals providing it with a 'Toremic fingerprird'. This fingerprint has been likened in concept to 'MNA profiling". The components of the solution are recorded by the Forensic science Service, and held on their database. Once applied, Smartwater makes the possession of stolen property a risky business. When subjected to ultra violet light its presence is immediately obvious by a tell - tale fluorescent glow. The smallest amount is enough for forensic scientists to verify the registered owner. How is Smartwater applied? Very simply. Smartwater is delivered in a small bottle. Using the supplied brush, simply dab or paint the Smartwater onto whatever item of property you want and allow it to dry (about 1 hour) - and that's it. No need to write anything - not even your postcode - the mere presence of Smartwater on an item is enough to trace it back to you. That's too easy - won't the offender simply scrape off the Smartwater? Well he/she can try - but is unlikely to succeed. Other methods of property marking such as etching or using UV Marke rpens are prone to erasure by the determined thief. This is because you generally need to write your postcode, on a flat surface of the item you want to protect. Smartwater is different. Tne instructions suggest that Smartwater should be applied to complicated areas that are hard to clean such as uneven surfaces, and areas adjacent to grills and slots. It is highly unlikely that any offender will be able to remove every trace of Smartwater from complicated areas - and the police only need a miniscule amount of Smartwater to make a positive identification. However, it is just as important to let offlanders know that property is securely marked with Smartwater. How do I do that? Each area will receive a quantity of A3 and/or A4 size Iuminous signs for fixing to lampposts, advertising the use of Smartwater in the area. That's all very well mid good, but does the thief know about Smartwater? Yes, the vast number of offences reported - particularly burglary and theft - are committed by a very small number of individuals? Warwickshire police has installed fluorescent UV lights at the entrance to the main Custody Block and every prisoner is routinely checked for traces of Smartwater at the police station. Finally, every police vehicle is fitted with an ultra violet torch as standard equipment, allowing checks of individuals to be carried out on the streets. What sort of items can I mark with Smartwater? Almost anything. All electrical equipment such as TVs, video, computers, playstaflons etc, plant and equipment, art, jewellery and antiques. Will Smartwater damage my property? No. Smartwater is completely harmless and will not damage either you or your property. What happens if Idispose of an item that has been marked with Smartwater? When you receive your Smartwater kit you will find instructions informing you of the simple procedure to be followed? Sounds good, but what is it going to cost me? Warwickshire Police is able
to purchase Smartwater at a vastly reduced rate compared to the normal
retail price. However, as part of our licence conditions it has been
stipulated that we can only use it for Neighbourhood Watch and similar,
If you have my further questions
about the benefits of Smartwater, please do not hesitate to contact
your local police station and ask for the Community Safety Team.
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