KEMPSEY residents have been receiving SmartWater kits to help them keep their valuables safe.
More than 1,600 of the high-tech liquids have been distributed by Malvern Hills District Council as part of a plan to make Kempsey a SmartWater village.
Each bottle of invisible liquid has a unique code similar to DNA so stolen items can be reunited with their owners.
It has also been used to link thieves to crimes and led to convictions if people are found with SmartWater on them which was only in places where they would not normally be – for example inside a person’s property.
‘SmartWater Village’ status is achieved when 80 per cent of homes within a village have signed up to receive a kit.
SmartWater areas also have lower crime rates than others without the status.
The council allocated Section 106 funding towards the scheme and is working with West Mercia Police and Platform Housing Group to deliver it across Kempsey.
It has also received additional funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Campion, under the ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ scheme to provide the kits.
A sign-up event was held at Kempsey Community Centre where the partnership agencies came together to provide information to residents. More than 120 people have signed up to receive a SmarWater kit to date.
More events and door-to-door registrations are planned up until the end of the year to encourage people to sign up.
Coun David Harrison, Ward Member for Kempsey, said: “It is so brilliant that Malvern Hills District Council is working hard to make the Kempsey community feel safer through the distribution of SmartWater kits.
“The sign-up event at Kempsey Community Centre was very successful and it was great to see so many residents interested in learning more about the project.”
PC Dee Stanley, from West Mercia Police, said: “West Mercia Police fully support the Kempsey SmartWater Village initiative in partnership with Malvern Hills District Council. SmartWater is an effective crime prevention method which helps us to us keep our communities safe.”
Mr Campion said: “SmartWater is a proven way to deter criminals by making properties safer. I am delighted, thanks to close partnership work with West Mercia Police and councillors from Malvern Hills District Council, that the biggest rollout of SmartWater in West Mercia is going to take place in Kempsey.
“As part of my commitment to reduce crime, I will continue to support initiatives that keep our communities safe.”
People can email [email protected] for more information about the SmartWater kKits.
