Police introduce smarter way to stamp out crime in Hathersage

SmartWater is a UV fluid containing a unique code that can be read under a microscope.

It can be painted onto possessions and a property itself, meaning that if items are stolen and later recovered, their owners can be traced. It can also link burglars to crime scenes if they get the fluid on their clothes or skin.

For the past few months, officers from Hathersage Safer Neighbourhood Team have been marking properties in the village with the fluid and have just added two homes in Cannon Fields, off Jaggers Lane, to the register.

PCSO Anthony Boswell, from the team, is now urging anyone in Hathersage who has not taken up the offer to get in touch with police.

He said: “SmartWater is a great way to protect your home from burglars because criminals know how kits like these work, and they act as a deterrent.

“It also means we can get any stolen goods back to their rightful owners quickly.

“There are more kits that are available for people living in Hathersage and they come with warning signs saying your property is protected, too, so it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

The SmartWater kits are funded by the Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police and Derbyshire Dales District Council.

Officers have also been signing Hathersage residents up to Derbyshire Alert, which is the force’s free messaging service that sends information, crime appeals and prevention tips out via text, email or voice message.

To sign up, visit www.derbyshirealert.co.uk.

If you live in Hathersage and want to find out how to get your home marked with SmartWater, call the team on 101 or email [email protected].