VILLAGERS in Peopleton have become the latest Wychavon residents to join a crime fighting scheme aimed at deterring thieves and burglars.
Wychavon has been working with the local parish council and West Mercia Police since March, to turn Peopleton into a SmartWater Village to deter criminals from targeting the area.
So far 157 households have signed up – more than the 70 per cent of households needed to achieve the status, and the hope is more will join.
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.
Each household has been given a kit containing enough liquid to mark up to 75 items.
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.
Coun Rob Adams, Executive Board Member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport on Wychavon District Council, said:
“I’m delighted yet another part of our district has achieved SmartWater status. I’d encourage other areas to explore this opportunity. By working together to make life difficult for criminals we can make Wychavon an even safer place to live.”
Tim Mason, Chair of Peopleton Parish Council, said:
“Following recent burglaries in the village, several residents were keen to take some action. Thanks to the support of the police and Wychavon’s Community Safety team we are now a SmartWater village and I hope it will deter criminals from targeting our village again in future.
Insp Dave Wise, from Pershore Safer Neighbourhood Team, said:
“It’s fantastic Peopleton has achieved SmartWater Village status and I’m confident it will be a powerful crime deterrent, ultimately helping to make people feel safer in their homes.
Pershore Safer Neighbourhood Team are really glad to be working closely with our partners and the community to ensure every effort is made to prevent crime in our rural communities.”
PCC John Campion said: “It’s brilliant Peopleton has now become a SmartWater village, which contributes to the work I am doing as part of my Safer West Mercia Plan.
Any parishes or villages interested in becoming SmartWater villages should e-mail [email protected]k for advice on the process.
