MORE homes and businesses are better protected from would be thieves after almost 20,000 signed up to West Mercia Police’s ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ campaign in 12 months.
Between April 2019 and April 2020 a total of 18,643 SmartWater forensic property marking kits were registered across the force area.
In 2015, the first ever We Don’t Buy Crime town was launched in Cleobury Mortimer.
The initiative saw every resident in the town offered a free SmartWater kit after an investment by Cleobury Mortimer Town Council and West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion.
Five years later, there are now hundreds of We Don’t Buy Crime areas across Worcestershire as well as Shropshire and Herefordshire with signs at key locations sending a clear message to criminals.
Earlier this year We Don’t Buy Crime won a national award for its work to prevent crime in partnership with local communities.
The record increase takes the number of SmartWater registrations across West Mercia to more than 54,000.
Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said: “I’m absolutely delighted at the dedication of the We Don’t Buy Crime team with everyone working to ensure as many homes and businesses as possible are protected.
“Independent research has found that there is a significant reduction in crime in We Don’t Buy Crime areas and just as importantly residents feel safer and more reassured.”
We Don’t Buy Crime also works with second-hand stores to help prevent the resale of stolen goods and fuel stations to prevent motorists driving off without paying for fuel.
PCC Campion said: “It is amazing to see the record number that have signed up to We Don’t Buy Crime, and just how many homes and businesses are now SmartWater protected.
“Since its introduction We Don’t Buy Crime has seen some great success stories from communities all across West Mercia, and I want to ensure we continue this great work and reach as many people as possible.”
For more information about We Don’t Buy Crime follow @WeDontBuyCrime on Twitter or visit the We Don’t Buy Crime facebook page.