Frequently Asked Questions

Smartwater Information

It is well known that many thieves escape conviction because the police are unable 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?

It is a unique water based solution containing a blend of harmless chemicals providing it with a forensic fingerprint. This fingerprint has been likened in concept to DNA Profiling. The components of the solution are recorded by Smartwater and held on their database.

Once applied, Smartwater makes the possession of stolen property a risky business. When subjected to a standard 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 1hour- 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 thief scrape off the Smartwater?

Well he can try but is unlikely to succeed. Other methods of marking involve etching or pens which are prone to erasure, Smartwater is different. The instructions suggest that Smartwater should be applied to complicated areas that are hard to clean such as uneven surfaces, areas adjacent to grills and slots. It is highly unlikely that any thief will be able to remove every trace of Smartwater from complicated areas- and the police only need a minuscule amount of Smartwater to make a positive ID. However it is just as important to let the thief know that the property is securely marked with Smartwater.

That’s all well and good, but does the thief know about Smartwater?

Oh Yes, he knows. The vast number of offences reported-particularly burglary and theft-are committed by a very small number of individuals, habitual criminals who talk to each other.

What can I mark and will it damage my property?

Almost anything can be marked, and Smartwater is completely harmless to you and your property.

Smartwater Initiative West Cumbria.

The West Cumbria Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, together with Copeland Homes , Derwent and Solway Housing , Westfield Housing Association, and the South Workington and Whitehaven Neighbourhood Managements are aiming to reduce the number of burglaries and thefts from domestic properties in their areas of  Workington, Whitehaven, Maryport. and Cleator Moor.

For general product information click to www.smartwater.com

West Cumbria NHW Development Officer

Tel: 01900 64524