Smartwater Initiative - update from John Campion, Police & Crime Commissioner, West Mercia

This year I ran my Town and Parish Council survey again, which gives your parish council a voice and the opportunity to contribute and have an influence on the decisions made in your local area. In a survey I commissioned around public confidence in policing, rural crime was highlighted as a concern across the whole of West Mercia, therefore I invested in the award-winning ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ and ‘Smartwater’ initiatives. These initiatives act as a deterrent to criminals, which ultimately make homes and businesses less of a target.

Smartwater, for example, is a water based chemical that, when applied, gives an item a unique identity and therefore makes it much easier to track down if stolen. These initiatives continue to be effective in tackling thefts within our communities, with Woore being well placed to follow many other areas in making use of my offer. I have supported parish councils and contributed 25% towards the cost of Smartwater, which has led to nearly 60,000 homes being registered on the scheme across West Mercia.

As well as this, I have doubled the funding for dedicated Rural and Business Crime Officers, who are vital when it comes to offering advice and support for safeguarding against crimes that impact on your community. This can range from fly-tipping to retail theft. Dedicated vehicles to enable these officers to increase their visibility and reach have also been funded, which I hope will provide reassurance to your local community.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion

Email: opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Phone: 01905 331656

Shropshire Rural & Business Crime Officer Graham Donaldson

Email: graham.donaldson2261853@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

Mobile: 07971 395278

Your local neighbourhood policing team is in Market Drayton East, and contact details can be found online at www.westmercia.police.uk