POLICE are offering special forensic marking kits cricket clubs in a bid to prevent theft of valuable equipment.

Devon & Cornwall Police have teamed up with DeterTech to offer SmartWater kits.

Since March 1 this year, 36 sports clubs in Devon and Cornwall have been burgled, with thieves stealing tractors, mowers and other high-value equipment.

As such, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Crime Prevention team have been working with DeterTech to offer the kits to cricket clubs at a reduced cost.

SmartWater is a forensic marking fluid that is used to mark valuable machinery and equipment.

Each kit has a unique code which can be registered to a database after application.

The fluid is invisible to the naked eye, but can be detected using specialist UV lights and is guaranteed to last for a minimum of five years in all weathers, ensuring that police can return recovered goods to their rightful owners.

These kits are being provided to sports clubs across Devon and Cornwall alongside signage that warns thieves of that forensic marking fluid has been used.

Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor at Devon & Cornwall Police, Hannah Denton, said ‘Theft of tractors and mowers from sports clubs has a significant impact on the local community and it’s something we take very seriously.

‘We have had great support from Devon Cricket Foundation’s Facilitiies and Funding Manager, Nick Goodliffe who has helped to promote this scheme to clubs across the region.

‘So far, more than 60 clubs across Devon and Cornwall have signed up to the initiative and we’re hopeful that this – combined with policing tactics – will send a clear message to thieves targeting sports clubs in the force area’.

SmartWater kits for commercial use typically retail at £300, but are currently being offered to cricket clubs at just £60.

Sports clubs in Devon and Cornwall who are interested in learning more about forensic marking kits should contact Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor Hannah Denton: [email protected]