What are the disadvantages of smart water?

Answer 1

Answer from Smart Water representatives:

Firstly, I should make it clear that there are two types of SmartWater System; one is a Forensic Spray which, once triggered, marks an offender during a break-in or robbery and the other is for Property Marking to aid identification of stolen valuables. I have, where applicable, attempted to label which system, each of the below points relates to.

1. Both - SmartWater is only visible under a certain frequency of UV light (365nM) - which means it is invisible to the naked eye. Though, thankfully, police, scrap metal dealers and other handlers are equipped with appropriate technology to detect traces of SmartWater.

2. Forensic Spray - If accidentally sprayed onto clothing, SmartWater leaves a permanent mark; though this can only be seen under UV light and is otherwise invisible. Obviously, SmartWater solutions are designed to ensure that the offender remains accountable long after an offence has been committed and this is reflected in the permanence.

3. Both - SmartWater is largely sold under an annual pricing model - making it an expensive option for some. However, this money is re-invested back into the brand - enhancing the deterrent through police awareness programmes, covert operations and sharing intelligence. Also, it covers the cost of forensic analysis and witness testimonial should your goods be recovered and used as evidence in court.

4. Property Marking - Though classified as non-hazardous, SmartWater cannot be used to mark food or anything for human consumption. The same rule applies to exotic animals, pets and livestock.

5. Property Marking - SmartWater is the only Forensic Marking product guaranteed for a minimum of 5 years even in extreme weather; however this means it is not well suited to a scenario whereby only a temporary/short-term application is required (a synthetic DNA-

based system should be considered instead).

6. Property Marking - Each SmartWater solution can only be registered to and used at a single location, this ensures that the police can irrefutably pinpoint the location from which an item has been taken.

7. Property Marking - Once dried, the solution is permanent and non-transferrable, so will NOT mark those handling your possessions. Due to a high risk of cross-contamination, such transferrable technologies should only be reserved for police use. However, as SmartWater tend to use generic messaging in their deterrent signs, it is seldom clear to the criminal which system is in place and thus adds to the overall deterrent.

Answer:

1. Smartwater is invisible to the naked eye and police need to be equipped with a special UV light to detect it.

2. There are two types of Smartwater system: one is a spray system for marking criminals, the other is a property marking system to aid identification of stolen property. Although invisible to the naked eye, if you operate under UV (black)light (such as nightclubs etc), it can make a mess of your floor (stains) and can get on the shoes of your customers, however, its unlikely that they'll notice once they're in normal light.

2. Compared to a UV pen, it is expensive - about £20 per year for the smallest system, about £800 for the largest. However, whereas a UV pen fades in sunlight, smartwater doesn't which may be perceived as a disadvantage is certain circumstances.

3. Smartwater uses metals in its forensic signature which makes it very tough and difficult to remove. Therefore, you should consider using DNA basedforensic paints if you want the forensic signature to fade after a couple of days.

3. Unless you use a certain light the smart water does not show. It requires a certain frequency of UV light (365nMI believe) otherwise it remains invisible.

4. If you accidentally get it on you it stains your clothes however, as it needs UV light to detect it, the staining wouldn't be noticed and won't be visible to the naked eye.

5. Smartwater cannot be used to mark food or anything for human consumption.

6. Residue of the spray system can represent a slip hazard which may endanger the health of intruders and warning signs should be displayed.