Humberside Police hope to extend initiative aimed at protecting victims of domestic abuse to Northern Lincolnshire
The force is giving out canisters to spray on abusers if they break banning orders and approach victims
Alongside the forces partners, the Domestic Abuse Partnership, Humberside Police have been utilising SmartWater technology to deter perpetrators and protect victims of domestic abuse.
SmartWater is a fluid initially designed to mark property, using unique DNA codes, so it could be identified if stolen. This same technology is now being used to allow crime victims to mark their attackers, because traces of the fluid cannot be washed off.
The idea is to deliver an additional layer of protection to victims, providing them with the means of forensically marking important areas and items in their homes to help identify perpetrators.
As well as a home protection kit, victims are given a cannister of SmartWater which they can then spray on the perpetrator if they approach them. The liquid is not visible to the naked eye, but glows under ultraviolet light, and each kit has a unique code so it can be traced back to specific victims and perpetrators.
SmartWater will stay on clothing and skin for several weeks, allowing officers to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a perpetrator has been in contact with a victim contrary to any legal orders imposed.
Leading on the roll-out of SmartWater to domestic abuse victims across Hull and East Riding is Inspector Helen Collier from the Domestic Abuse Safeguarding and Investigation Teams, she said:
“The use of forensic marking to deter crime and help convict perpetrators is not new to policing, and police forces across the UK have seen significant reductions in reported crime when used to target serious acquisitive crime such as burglaries and motor thefts.
“It offers victims an additional safeguarding measure to make them feel safer in their homes and whilst going about their daily business.
“Not only this, but it is being used in conjunction with ongoing support from specialist officers within our dedicated Domestic Abuse Safeguarding and Investigation Teams (DASIT), as well as partner agencies including the Domestic Abuse Partnership, who are co-located in our office at Clough Road.
“Feedback from the victims is positive so far, with one stating that knowing the SmartWater was in their possession made them feel better as it works alongside other conditions including bail.
“Another said it gave them a bit of reassurance along with the restraining order they already had in place and would recommend it to anyone going through what they’ve been through.
“We know that this technology makes a real difference to victims of domestic abuse and stalking in particular, helping them feel safer, so we’re hoping to be able to roll this out across North and North East Lincolnshire in the coming months too.
“I hope this reassures our communities that we not only prioritise domestic abuse, but that we’re making big steps to reduce re-offending, deter perpetrators, and keep victims safe.”