Victims of domestic abuse in East Yorkshire to be given smart spray

Humberside Police are starting to roll out the initiative.

Author: Olivia MounsorPublished 22nd Aug 2024

Police in East Yorkshire have introduced a special spray, aimed at protecting victims of domestic abuse.

Known as SmartWater, it's historically been used in cases of burglary and theft, but the cannisters spray a harmless liquid that shows up under ultraviolet light.

Each cannister and its contents are unique, and can remain on skin and clothes for three months, meaning police are able to place perpetrators at the scene of an incident.

Humberside Police is giving out canisters to spray on domestic abusers if they break banning orders and approach victims.

The force said the spray stayed on clothing and skin for several weeks, "allowing officers to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a perpetrator has been in contact with a victim".

Humberside Police at the moment, the SmartWater is only available in Hull and East Yorkshire, but they're working to bring the scheme to the south side of the Humber as soon as they can.

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