Crime doesn’t spray
ROBBERS and burglars targeting shops and businesses will be marked men this Christmas.
For as they flee premises after a raid they will be showered with fine spray which could put them behind bars.
Traceable liquid spray kits are to be distributed to the most vulnerable commercial properties.
Operation Guard has been launched by GMP after a successful scheme last year saw a 24.6 per cent reduction in commercial burglaries compared to the same period in 2016/17.
If a robbery takes place staff can activate the kits by pressing a panic button which tells it to spray the next person to leave the premises.
The robber is then showered with a fine spray of traceable liquid as they attempt to leave. For burglaries, if the alarm is triggered, the kits also activate. Once arrested suspects can be screened for the liquid on clothes or skin, using ultraviolet light, providing evidence and increasing the chances of conviction.
Last year in the region’s 10 most targeted areas, there were 1,600 robberies and burglaries at commercial properties from January to September. Christmas often sees a spike in incidents as businesses stay open later and homes are left empty as families travel to see each other. Officers and specials will be out in force within the business community with deterrents including the forensic-marking technology.
Supt Caroline Hemingway said: “We are aware of the issues retailers face with opportunistic thieves targeting their premises, especially in the run up to Christmas and over the New Year.
“Following a successful trial last year, we are proud to launch Operation Guard as we look to fully support commercial premises and tackle crime, as well as reducing the number of incidents taking part across Greater Manchester.”