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A Rural chapel near Chester has been given the latest tool to help beat crime.

Oakmere Methodist Church in Abbey Lane, Delamere, was targeted by thieves last year when a wooden archway in the chapel gardens was stolen.

Now, thanks to Cheshire Police, the church has its own SmartWater kit to mark any valuables in and outside the premises.
PCSO Sophie Baxter arranged for the SmartWater kit to be donated to the chapel to prevent further crime this year.

She said: “Last year someone got into the gardens behind the chapel and removed a wooden archway, destroying the plants growing around it. We regularly patrol this area and will continue to do so, but the SmartWater is extra protection, not only for the garden furniture, but also anything inside the chapel.

“The chapel is at the heart of the community and it is a real shame that some people are abusing it.”

SmartWater is a forensically-coded liquid with each batch containing its own unique forensic code. The substance is invisible to the naked eye but can be easily identified by officers with ultraviolet light.

The Rev Pat Billsborrow, minister at the chapel, said: “One of our stewards, Eric Wright, looks after the garden. He rebuilt the archway and tends to the beautiful little garden. It was very disappointing to see it destroyed last year. We are very grateful to Sophie for arranging this kit.”