The Locksmith Journal 99 August 2024 | Page 58

AUTO LOCKSMITHS

DETERTECH , TOYOTA & POLICE PARTNERSHIP REDUCES CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS TO ZERO

» AN INNOVATIVE POLICE-LED forensic marking initiative , pioneered by DeterTech and funded by Toyota , is credited with eliminating catalytic converter thefts in Herefordshire .
The application of SmartWater raises the risk to all criminals participating in catalytic converter theft , including the rogue scrap metal dealers involved in disposal and recycling . With a 100 % conviction rate in contested court cases , criminals are known to actively avoid locations in which it is known to be deployed .
In November 2023 West Mercia Police proactively distributed SmartWater catalytic converter marking kits , information and advice to the public in Herefordshire . There have been zero reported catalytic converter thefts in the following seven months . That contrasts with the period between December 2022 and June 2023 when the county experienced 22 reported catalytic converter thefts , totalling around £ 20,000 .
Catalytic converter thefts first spiked during lockdown due to a surge in the value of precious metals found in them . With recent significant increases in scrap metal prices , vehicle owners are advised to remain vigilant and ensure their vehicles are protected .
DeterTech ’ s SmartWater HT is a unique heat resistant forensic marking technology that is invisible to the naked eye but shows up clearly when exposed to the UV light . Once applied , and registered to DeterTech ’ s national database , it provides a legally irrefutable means of identifying stolen property , tracing ownership , and convicting criminals .
DeterTech ’ s fully accredited forensic laboratories are compliant with the Home Office Forensic Regulators ’ Code of Practice and have helped to secure hundreds of convictions in the criminal courts . It provides police services with forensic analysis of SmartWater evidence and expert testimony in support of a police prosecution , free of charge .
Gary Higgins , Director of Security & Risk , DeterTech , said : “ DeterTech is proud to have worked with Toyota and supported West Mercia Police in achieving the reduction of catalytic converter thefts to zero in Herefordshire . However , this is no time for complacency , rising metal prices have resulted in all manner of assets being targeted in greater numbers . Forensic marking with SmartWater helps deter theft and puts criminals behind bars .”
www . detertech . com

“ Our products are rigorously attack tested and approved to the highest security standards ”

» BRITISH SECURITY manufacturer Squire is one of the latest companies to renew their membership with the police Secured by Design ( SBD ) initiative .
The Squire name has been at the forefront of lock making since 1780 with a great British history carried down through eight generations . Combining heritage with innovation , Squire is widely recognised for making the toughest locks in the world , including advanced lock designs for homes , businesses , leisure , bicycle and motorcycle markets .
A wide range of Squire ’ s SBD products have achieved the Police Preferred Specification including bicycle security products , garage door
protectors and vehicular roller shutter doors , locks and hardware , safes and secure enclosures and motorcycle security . Find out more about Squire and their extensive range of Secured by Design accredited products , including those which have achieved the SBD Secure Connected Device accreditation having attained the relevant IoT standards and certification , here .
CEO John Squire said : “ Squire is trusted globally as a premium brand for protecting the things our customers value most .
“ After 240 years , we understand better than anyone how to make the highest quality , durable and reliable security products . Our
products are rigorously attack tested and approved to the highest security standards .
“ This means we can proudly display the police approved SBD logo , so customers can be confident our security products are tough enough to hold up against even the most determined thieves . SBD membership is really important to us and we are delighted to continue our relationship .”
Ruari Robertson , Secured by Design , said : “ I am delighted that Squire have renewed their membership for a further three years . They have been an avid supporter throughout and , their extensive range of products meeting Police Preferred Specification , demonstrates their standing within this sector ”.
www . securedbydesign . com
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