RESIDENTS in Peopleton have been urged to protect their property by signing up to a scheme to deter thieves and burglars.
Wychavon is working with Peopleton Parish Council and West Mercia Police to turn Peopleton into a SmartWater village, which requires 70 per cent of households to join the scheme.
SmartWater is a colourless liquid solution which can be applied to the surfaces of belongings and valuables. It leaves a unique code which is almost impossible to remove and can only be viewed under ultraviolet light.
Marked items are then registered with a national database so if items are stolen, the rightful owner can easily be identified and the property returned. SmartWater deters criminals as they know stealing SmartWater marked property makes it more likely they will be caught and convicted.
A sign-up event was held at the village hall last night (Thursday) for residents to get their SmartWater pack and instructions about how to mark and register their property.
Local charity Peopleton Parish Lands and West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion are funding the packs.
Rob Rich, Wychavon’s community safety and enforcement manager, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Peopleton Parish Council, local police and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner to roll out SmartWater to another one of our communities.
“Working together to deter criminals can only benefit our communities and make Wychavon an even safer place to live.”
Other parishes or villages interested in becoming SmartWater villages can also email the community safety team for advice on the process.
Wychavon’s community safety team and the parish council will also be knocking on doors in the next few weeks to sign up residents.
Peopleton residents can also request a pack by e-mailing [email protected] with their title, full name, address including postcode and email address or contact number.
