Burglars will get a nasty shock if they try to break into supermarkets in Burnham and Highbridge when they get sprayed with a fluorescent liquid.
SmartWater, an invisible, colourless liquid that shows up under UV light, has just been introduced at Somerfield’s stores in Pier Street, Burnham and Highbridge.
Intruders will be sprayed with the liquid, which contains a unique DNA-style forensic code that proves an individual was at the scene of a crime.
Once dry, SmartWater is virtually impossible to remove from objects or clothing and it will remain on the skin for up to eight weeks. People arrested and taken into custody will be asked to stand under a UV light and those who have been in contact with SmartWater can be immediately identified.
Kieran Madden, police liaison manager of SmartWater Technology Limited, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “SmartWater is a sophisticated forensic crime deterrent with a proven track record of success. It is used by 95 per cent of police forces in various forms while impacting on prolific and persistent offending.”
“Any offender who has been doused in SmartWater during a break-in will ‘light-up’ when they pass through the custody unit at a local police station. It will not take us long to find out which property that person has burgled.”
Avon and Somerset Police’s crime prevention officer, PC Paul Morris, added: “SmartWater is so versatile but extremely effective. It can be used to mark all kinds of property from microchips and computers to mobile phones, videos and antiques. It stays on the skin for many weeks so we will check each person detained.”
More than 400 criminals have been caught and convicted so far across the UK and the technology is now being used as a crime prevention tool by 95 per cent of UK police forces.
