Gloucester city centre businesses are sending a strong and united message to criminals, ‘thieves should beware’, following the successful launch of the Smart Water City campaign.
Over 60 businesses have already signed up to the initiative after last week’s launch event in Kings Square, marking a significant step towards creating a safer, more secure city centre. Led by Gloucester Constabulary, in partnership with Gloucester BID, Gloucester City Safe, DeterTech and funded by Gloucestershire Police & Crime Commissioner, the campaign is designed to protect businesses and deter crime using advanced forensic marking technology.
Businesses involved in the scheme are now visibly protected, displaying Smart Water deterrent signage and using forensic marking to uniquely identify their property. This coordinated, city-wide approach creates a powerful deterrent, making it clear that Gloucester city centre is not an easy target for criminals.
Chief Inspector Ash Shingler, Gloucestershire Constabulary, said:
“The launch of the Smart Water City campaign marks an important step in strengthening our approach to tackling crime in Gloucester. By working in partnership with local businesses and equipping them with this proven forensic technology, we are making it clear that offending in our city centre will not go unnoticed.
This initiative is about prevention as much as enforcement, creating a visible deterrent, supporting investigations, and ultimately protecting our business community. I would encourage all city centre businesses to get involved and be part of this united effort to keep Gloucester safe.”
Dave Lewis, Police Relationship Manager at DeterTech, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to say Gloucester is a Smart Water protected city. It’s one of the many ways DeterTech is working to bring greater peace of mind to people and communities, everyday.”
Steve Lindsay, Gloucester City Safe Manager, added:
“Smart Water is an effective forensic marking system that has been found to be more identifiable and accurate like DNA. It has a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases and is an excellent deterrent against shoplifters and thieves.
Working hand in hand in partnership supporting one of Gloucester BID’s key objectives, which is to create a safer city, the Smart Water project sends a clear message to would-be shoplifters that we are fighting back.”
With momentum building, Gloucester BID is now encouraging more city centre businesses to join the growing network of protected premises. Businesses that sign up will receive a free Smart Water pack worth over £250, enabling them to mark and safeguard their property quickly and effectively.
Any businesses wishing to take part and help strengthen the city-wide deterrent are encouraged to get in touch with Gloucester BID by emailing .
Together, Gloucester businesses are taking a stand, creating a safer city centre and making it clear that crime doesn’t pay here.
