A NEW crime deterrent should help put a stop to those trying to sell on stolen property in Redditch, thanks to an agreement between police and pawnbrokers.
Cash Converters, on Unicorn Hill, has joined Redditch police in a drive to deter burglars and the sale of stolen goods by scanning property for traces of SmartWater. A joint initiative between police and Redditch Council last year saw SmartWater being used in many homes and businesses across the town. SmartWater is a colorless liquid with a unique chemical marker which can be painted on to almost any item and enables property to be traced back to its owner.
Staff at Cash Converters will be asking customers bringing items into the store whether the property has been marked with SmartWater and if so, to confirm it is registered to them. They will then use a UV lamp, supplied by Redditch police, to check.
Staff will maintain a register of property accepted with traces of Smart Water, which will include details of the item, the date and time of the transaction and name and address of the customer. This would be available to police on request.
Cash Converters staff will contact police immediately if they have concerns. Pc Eddie Mills, Redditch’s crime risk manager said: “We are working together within the community to reduce burglary and with a coordinated approach and the use of the latest technology; we’ll make it difficult for burglars to profit from Crime.”
Mick Jones from Cash Converters said: “We operate a strictly enforced identification policy requiring customers to provide adequate and up- to-date identification. The Cash Converters in store computer system also logs serial numbers to alert staff of potentially suspicious items and in turn we can then alert police. Smart Water will play a major role alongside these existing crime reducing systems.”
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