'Smart' Crime Prevention Scheme Rolled Out

Householders across Scotland will be given the chance to protect their belongings in a major crime reduction scheme.

Householders across Scotland will be given the chance to protect their belongings in a major crime reduction operation.

SmartWater will be provided to around 4 thousand 5 hundered homes. 

The solution has a unique code which can be brushed onto items, and if they're stolen they'll show up under UV light. 

A pilot scheme in February saw 600 houses in Edinburgh issued with the kit, and resulted in a 53percent drop in housebreaking compared to the previous 6 months. 

Superintendent Matt Richards, leading the operation, said: "Police Scotland continues to work alongside our communities and relevant partners to tackle housebreaking and protect people's homes and belongings from acquisitive criminals.

"This exciting opportunity with SmartWater Technology Ltd sends a very clear message - we will not tolerate housebreaking or theft of property and remain willing to utilise any and all tactics at our disposal to bring anyone involved to justice.

"The considerable fall in domestic housebreaking during the pilot in The Grange allows us to extend the initiative further and we expect to see similar successes in all the participating areas.

"Thieves and those selling on stolen goods will not know what property is marked, and in some instances products will be deployed that are directly transferable to offenders. These can only be seen by officers equipped with specialist lighting devices.

"However, the use of this product is only one way in which we are working to address housebreaking throughout the country.

"High-visibility patrols in 'hotspot' areas continue to be carried out on a regular basis and a range of crime prevention advice is readily available by speaking to your local policing team or by visiting the Police Scotland website at scotland.police.uk."