Operation Slug on the trail of allotment thieves

Police in Exeter are launching a crime fighting operation to tackle theft of garden and power tools from allotments across the city.

Known as Operation Slug, allotment owners will be issued with a special kit that contains Smartwater, an invisible property-marking solution. Warning signs will be displayed to help deter burglars.

Each kit allows plot owners to mark their possessions with a unique forensic code that is traceable. This can then be used by the police to identify items should they ever be stolen, as well as help link suspects to crime scenes.

Second hand traders are assisting with the scheme. They have been issued with special equipment to help detect anything marked with the invisible liquid.

The non-hazardous liquid leaves a long lasting and unique identifier that is invisible to the naked eye except under an ultraviolet light. It is virtually impossible to remove.

The solution is used to mark any items of value; whether that is personal, commercial or industrial. It has proved to deter theft across other areas of the UK and has helped identify culprits for prosecution.

Plot holders are also being urged to apply the solution to valuables in their homes.

Exeter has over 1300 individual allotment plots contained within 26 sites in a 5-mile radius of the city centre. Whilst the police team receives regular reports of burglaries from shed and outbuildings, many incidences go unreported.

“Operation Slug has been launched to offer residents a practical way to protect their property and deter burglars,” said police community support officer Ellen Holah.

Allotment holders at Whipton Lane, Sweetbrier Lane, Polsloe Road and Prince Charles Road will benefit from the scheme.