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24th April 2024 Issue no. 702

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Greggs gets SmartWater protection

Leading high street retailer Greggs has turned to SmartWater to deter thieves and protect its staff and premises.

The company has adopted SmartWater Technology's retail risk management strategy, which includes the use of its SmartWater spray systems as well as the wider deployment of its uniquely coded forensic marking products across the stores.

It is part of a nationwide security upgrade being carried out by Greggs to minimise theft-related disruptions to its business.

Rapid deployment SmartWater forensic spray devices are now available to be put in place at short notice at Greggs sites where intelligence suggests an increased risk. When triggered, the SmartWater sprays coat an intruder with an invisible, non-hazardous liquid that carries a unique chemical signature.

The SmartWater will show up under ultraviolet light on skin and clothes long after it has been applied and when samples are analysed in the company's own forensic laboratory provide an undeniable link to the scene of the crime. Police officers routinely scan suspects for the presence of SmartWater and it has a 100 per cent conviction rate in more than 1,000 court cases.

SmartWater Technology's retail strategy provides a multi-layered approach to crime reduction, integrating high-tech delivery mechanisms for the forensic liquid with carefully planned use of indelible marking, crime hotspot mapping, intelligence sharing with clients' security teams, covert operations, publicity campaigns and liaison with likely outlets for stolen goods in a given area.

Bruce Duncan, retail loss prevention manager for Greggs, which has more than 1,600 shops, said: "A number of our shops have experienced burglaries and our number one priority is to protect our colleagues while preventing future incidences occurring.

"The conviction rate where SmartWater has been deployed is outstanding and sends a very clear message to thieves that our shops represent significant risk of detection and subsequent arrest."

Chief executive of SmartWater Technology Ltd, Phil Cleary, added: "We have a proven strategy for supporting retailers in crime against their premises and SmartWater is very well known to the criminal fraternity, who acknowledge it as a significant threat to their livelihood. We are very pleased to be providing that support to Greggs."

26th June 2013