Redditch retailers have a new weapon to help identify stolen items, thanks to a Redditch Community Safety Partnership (RCSP) scheme.
The Partnership has funded an initiative to provide retailers of secondhand goods with scanners to check items for ultraviolet forensic property coding system, SmartWater.
The scheme was devised by Redditch Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and builds on a project set up by West Mercia Police with Cash Converters. Its aim is to make it increasingly difficult for criminals to sell stolen property, as SmartWater contains unique forensic code which links an items to its original owner. As well as being given scanners, retailers signing up to the scheme also receive clear guidance on what to do if they come across marked goods.
CEX in the Kingfisher Centre is one of the stores that have got involved in the project. Rob Tisdale, Manager of CEX said: “Anything we can do to help prevent crime is a good thing as we aren’t interested in stolen goods. We are happy to have the ability to find traces of forensic marking in addition to our normal security checks.”
Sue Hanley, Chair of Redditch Community Safety Partnership, said: “The Partnership has long encouraged residents to security mark their property. It not only acts as a deterrent to thieves but makes it easier to reunite stolen goods with their owners.”
Inspector Ian Joseph from West Mercia Police said: "We regard this as a very positive development. It is really beneficial for retailers to be able to scan items for forensic marking products and gives them a better chance of identifying stolen goods which criminals are trying to pass on."