Brailsford focus for SmartWater

: Wednesday, 19 September 2012 14:44

Our anti-burglary campaign moves on to Brailsford today (Wednesday 19 September) and tomorrow after more than 130 residents in Hathersage took advantage of free SmartWater kits last week.

PCSO Anthony Boswell of the Hathersage Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and local resident Janet Campbell

They are being given out as part of an initiative, which is being led by the District Council and Derbyshire police to ensure Dales residents stay safe and their homes secure.

Brailsford residents had the chance to pick up a pack when the mobile police station worked from Brailsford Methodist Church between 9am and 3pm on the 19th and at the Brailsford Institute car park between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday (20 September).

A team of staff and officers visited homes in Hathersage on September 12 and 13, speaking to around 300 residents and offering crime prevention and safety advice.

The campaign is also supported by staff from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Council for Voluntary Services, Peaks and Dales Volunteering and Advancement Project, Derbyshire Handyvan and Dales Housing.

Included in the kits are a supply of SmartWater, a unique forensic solution to paint onto valuable items, signs to deter would-be burglars and registration details so that any missing property can be returned to its owners

Further visits will be carried out in Tansley on Wednesday 10 October and Saturday 13 October.

Inspector Bryan Hall, who is in charge of policing in the Derbyshire Dales, said:

"We are pleased that so many residents are taking full advantage of the campaign, and are helping to protect their valuables by marking and registering them with SmartWater.

"SmartWater can be detected by scanning goods with UV equipment and police across the UK are trained to look for traces of the substance so it provides a good deterrent to would-be burglars."

Hathersage resident Janet Campbell said:

"It is really good to see so many organisations working together in our neighbourhood, and it makes me feel much safer."

Derbyshire Dales District Council Leader Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, who is also Chairman of Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership, said:

"The direct feedback on the doorstep from residents is really useful – that's why it is so important to get out into our communities. This type of operation not only helps maintain the Dales' record as one of the safest place in the UK to live, work and visit - it also ensures residents stay safe in their own homes."

To report suspicious activity or if you have any information about crime, call Derbyshire police on 101, the non-emergency number. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For further advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing team on 101 or visit the website: www.derbyshire.police.uk.