Homes and Police help residents smarten up aganist thieves
Sheffield Homes is working with South Yorkshire Police and Burngreave New Deal for Communities to help customers living in the Burngreave area of Sheffield. The two organisations are working hand in hand to roll out two initiatives aimed at deterring thefts in the area and to help people feel at ease in their homes.
The first of the two schemes is a new property marking system, known as Smart Water, which marks customers belongings with a clear solution containing a unique forensic code number. Each unique kit is registered on a National Security Register so that the Police can instantly identify the owner in the case of theft. SmartWater is also virtually impossible to remove completely and can only be seen under ultra-violet light.
Sheffield Homes are currently providing Smart Water kits free of charge to any customer living in the Burngreave area who are interested in receiving one. Brigitt Westran, Sheffield Homes’ Area Manager said, “Working with South Yorkshire Police and Burngreave New Deal means that we can spread the message to our customers about the importance of marking their possessions to deter burglars and protects their homes.”
Crime Reduction Officer PC John Shilitoe added, “Using these kits and displaying the Smart Water sign means that burglars simply cannot risk handling property coded with Smart Water because the forensic profile means they can be linked directly to the crime.”
Memo Minders is another initiative aimed to help customers in their home. The message recorder and player plays pre-set verbal reminders to its owner that can include reminders to lock the door or turn off the fire. The small devices can be operated manually or can be set to play when someone walks past.
Burngreave New Deal for Communities part funds both initiatives. Customers living in the Burngreave area can find out more about Smart Water and Memo Minders by contacting Sheffield Homes’ East Area Neighbourhood Wardens on 0114 293 0000.