SmartWater and Harper Adams link up in the fight against crime

Posted 26 May 2010

Harper Adams University College near Newport, has become one of the latest organisations to link up with Shropshire company SmartWater to deter thieves.

The university college, which has, like many homes and businesses, suffered from theft, is now one step closer to stopping thieves in their tracks.

SmartWater, a unique DNA-style liquid developed by a private company based in Newport, is being added to a range of equipment at the site.

Within each kit is a unique batch of the liquid which is painted onto valuable equipment and leaves its own permanent ‘forensic fingerprint’ so property can be traced back to its owner – even months after it has been stolen.

Dave Hancocks , Local Police Constable for Newport and Rural, was at the launch yesterday. He said: “Telford police use Smartwater for crime prevention and detection. You can put it on anything and everything and I would urge individuals and businesses to think about ways of deterring thieves. It is all about crime prevention. Harper Adams is a forward-thinking organisation. Any home or business is susceptible to theft and if the police intercept property which has been marked, we can reunite the owner with the property and get a conviction.”

Arthur Broadhurst, estates foreman at Harper Adams, said: “Theft will not be tolerated here at Harper Adams and we are taking all the steps we can to prevent it.”

Dave Reynolds, from SmartWater, said Harper Adams was sending out a powerful message to anyone thinking of committing a crime locally. He said: “The message is that this property is marked and traceable and it is not a good idea to touch it. SmartWater can be used on virtually any item and once it is on – it is virtually non-removeable. It is a forensic product and police look out for it.”

Harper Adams has also been supplied with signs, which are prominently placed on buildings and highlight to potential burglars that all equipment has been marked.

For more information about SmartWater visit www.smartwater.com