DeterTech, a leader in intruder detection and identification, is proud to announce the immediate availability of SmartSpray® for rental or purchase. It is considered a game-changer in tackling retail crime as it enables police to forensically link masked offenders back to the scene of their crime, even weeks after they’ve left the store.

Retail crime is at its highest level on record, with over 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse per day, reported in the British Retail Consortium’s Annual Crime Survey. A key factor is perpetrators’ feeling emboldened that they can anonymously steal, assault and abuse staff, and escape before security or police can intervene. While in-store CCTV can be effective, it is easily defeated by the most organised and violent offenders who choose to obscure their face.

The SmartSpray system can be deployed standalone or integrated with the existing security system. When triggered, it releases a precise spray of SmartWater®, a forensic liquid that contains a code unique to each specific store. This glows under UV light and remains on skin and clothing for weeks, allowing police to identify suspects and pursue convictions. DeterTech’s forensic scientists provide analysis and testimony in support of a conviction to the police and courts free of charge. Furthermore, they need only a speck smaller than the full stop at the end of this sentence to conclusively link an individual back to the scene of their crime.

SmartSpray is immediately available for rental or purchase on flexible terms, including installation and servicing. DeterTech has also committed to providing unlimited refills free of charge following any activation for which a crime reference number is supplied. It is hoped this will further incentivise retailers to report all incidents to the police so that the true scale of retail crime can be nationally recognised.

BT is one of the first retailers to have deployed SmartSpray in selected stores. Richie Iwanoff, Corporate Investigations Team Manager, BT, says:

“The well-being of our staff and customers is our number one priority. We’re proud to be using cutting-edge solutions to keep them safe at all times. I sleep easier knowing criminals will think twice before targeting us”.

Gary Higgins, Director of Security and Risk, DeterTech, adds:

“SmartSpray has been very well received by both retailers and the police who recognise it will deter offences and help put violent criminals behind bars. It supports our purpose here at DeterTech of working with businesses and communities every day to provide greater peace of mind.”

Hazel Goss, Development Officer, Secured by Design, concludes,

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration we want to see from retailers, security providers, and law enforcement. Enhancing the police’s chances of unmasking offenders is vital in combating retail crime, which is sadly soaring across the country.”  

For more information, please visit https://detertech.com/products/forensic-marking/smartspray/