MetTrace programme to be launched in Newham
Created by SmartWater, the solution, which is virtually impossible to remove and can only be viewed under UV light, has already been proven to significantly reduce burglary rates.
During a recent Met trial across five boroughs, burglary rates reduced on average by 49%, with some areas seeing a reduction of more than 70%. More than half of residents involved in the pilot said they felt safer after they applied the liquid to items in their homes.
The kits contain an invisible property marking solution, allowing owners to mark their possessions with a unique forensic code and to display warning stickers to deter burglars. This code can then be used by the police to trace the items should they ever be stolen and to link suspects to crime scenes.
A team of specially trained Safer Neighbourhood officers in Newham will begin to deliver SmartWater kits to local residents with officers on hand to explain and demonstrate the kits, whilst answering questions and providing crime prevention advice.
Chief Inspector Shabnam Chaudhri, for Neighbourhood Policing in Newham, said: "The delivery of SmartWater kits in targeted areas will have a significant impact on burglary reduction and other crimes in Newham. Those who commit crime are frightened of this technology. We can't make this a success without you, so when my officers come to your home I would ask that you sign up and protect yourself and your neighbourhood.
"If you're not home we will put 'Met Trace' cards through your door. Please don't throw them away as they have our contact details so that we can visit at a time that's convenient for you. We want to make you feel safer in Newham."
The MetTrace scheme is supported by Newham Council. Councillor Unmesh Desai, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour, said: "I welcome this initiative which is part of a fight back against opportunist thieves who target our residents.
"Being burgled is a horrible experience, which leaves people feeling vulnerable and unsafe in their own homes - often precious possessions are lost forever. Through MetTrace less residents should become victims, but if they do there’s more of chance that they will get their items back by using SmartWater."
