Police in Cumbria are introducing a new way of protecting people suffering from stalking and domestic abuse.
Victims in such cases can now be given a forensic marking tool, with the aim of deterring perpetrators of such abuse and helping convict abusers if a case reaches court.
The tool is a canister containing a uniquely coded forensic marking solution supplied by DeterTech UK Ltd, known as SmartWater.
This will be handed out to victims with the aim of making perpetrators think twice before carrying out offences.
The marking substance can be sprayed on the perpetrator if they approach them.
The liquid is not visible to the naked eye – but glows under ultraviolet light.
Each canister has a unique code so it can be traced back to specific victims and abusers.
SmartWater will stay on clothing and skin for several weeks, allowing officers to prove contact between the two parties.
It will act as another investigative tool in putting together a criminal case.
Detective Superintendent Matt Scott is the head of Public Protection at Cumbria Police.
He said: “We understand the enormous impact these offences can have on people – so any method we can use to help people feel safe is welcome.
“Preventing incidents of domestic abuse and stalking, catching those who offend and protecting people from such abuse are key priorities for all our officers.
“Nobody should ever have to suffer such offences – and we hope the use of this marking scheme will offer reassurance and stop anyone caught up in this cycle of abuse in their tracks.”
Specialist public protection officers will decide on a case-by-case basis who to issue the cannisters to, based on individual case circumstances.
Detective Supt Scott added: “Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is something we do all-year-round.
“We think this will be another useful tool to achieve these aims.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “This innovative tool will be a considerable help to victims and police to reduce re-offending by perpetrators.
“Keeping victims safe is a main priority for the Constabulary and me.
"Reducing violence against women and girls and in particular reducing domestic abuse was a manifesto commitment for me, and is a clear mission for our new government who are committed to reducing such violence by half over the next 10 years.
"I am, therefore, delighted to support this initiative in any way that I can.
“I can only imagine the fear that victims of stalking and domestic abuse feel when they are confronted with their abuser.
"No one should live in that fear, so anything we can do within our power to reduce this fear and make victims feel safer, we will do.
“I’d urge anyone experiencing domestic abuse or stalking to report it to the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
“However, I understand that not everyone feels comfortable reporting to the police which is why I commission services in Cumbria to ensure that those who want help can receive it.
"Victim Support Cumbria can provide support and advice for all crime types and signpost to other services best suited to the victim’s needs. Search ‘Victim Support Cumbria’ to find out more about the services or call 0300 303 0157.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the police and fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
Gary Higgins, director of security and risk at DeterTech UK Ltd, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting Cumbria Police with this initiative, using our SmartWater forensic marking solutions.
"The opportunity to help provide a level of protection to those directly affected by stalking and domestic abuse and making someone feel safer in their own home is something we are very proud of.
"SmartWater maintains a 100 per cent conviction rate in contested court cases, powerful proof of our effectiveness in linking perpetrators to the scene of their crime.
"At DeterTech UK Ltd our purpose is to provide greater peace of mind to people and communities every day.
"We look forward to this initiative making a positive difference to the daily lives of many victims of stalking and domestic abuse.”
How do you report domestic abuse to police?
If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, you can report this by calling 101.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
You can get more advice about domestic abuse here: Advice about domestic abuse | Cumbria Police
How do I access a range of support services?
You can access support services regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police.
To access support services independently, contact Victim Support 24/7 on 0808 1689 111 – or go to: cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/victim-service/