The men involved – Leon John Abbey, Lee Anslow and Christopher Boot – were arrested following a police pursuit after officers were called to the Somerfield store shortly after 12.30 am on November 27 last year. Two of the three offenders were sprayed with SmartWater as they entered the premises, and this was found on their clothing after they were taken into custody.
SmartWater is activated by movement and sprays unwanted intruders with a unique forensic liquid which contains a DNA-style code that’s specific to the protected property.
Sentencing at Telford Magistrates Court
20-year-old Abbey, from Tipton, was sentenced at Telford Magistrates Court on Monday after admitting to the burglary. The sentence includes a community order with supervision requirements for 12 months. Abbey has also been ordered to carry out the Think First programme, and was instructed to pay GB pound 60 costs.
Anslow and Boot were dealt with at an earlier Magistrates Court appearance. Both received a 12-month community order, 12 months supervision and were ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. They too pay GB pound 60 costs.
Detective Sergeant Allan Crossley of Bridgnorth CID told SMT Online these convictions should serve as a warning to criminals. “When they’re caught,” said Crossley, “and either they or anything in their possession is found to be marked with SmartWater, a conviction is extremely likely.” This is the first time SmartWater evidence has been presented during a trial to help with the conviction of offenders in Shropshire.
Crossley continued: “The technology is proving to be an extremely valuable tool in both detecting and preventing crime. We hope this conviction will serve as a warning to other potential criminals. More and more businesses are having systems fitted, and a large number of domestic properties also have valuable contents marked with SmartWater. As each system has a unique forensic code linked solely to that premises, an offender cannot deny having involvement with an offence.”
Everyone brought into any of the custody suites across West Mercia can be tested for the presence of SmartWater.
Somerfield and SmartWater have their say
A spokesperson for Somerfield commented: “SmartWater is one of many security measures we have put in place nationally to deter criminal activity. These convictions are a testament to the excellent work of West Mercia Constabulary, and we believe this will send out a powerful warning to all criminals.”
SmartWater’s chief executive Phil Cleary added: “SmartWater is a proven method for reducing crime. Our technology can forensically link an offender with an individual crime scene, meaning they cannot deny their involvement. Police forces across the UK are equipped to search for SmartWater, and we maintain a 100% conviction rate whenever SmartWater evidence has been used in Court.”
