Security Reminder for Local Churches

 Parish churches in the diocese of Hereford have been reminded about a new way of keeping their buildings secure. It follows a feature in the National Press that had highlighted the value of Smartwater.

“SmartWater is a harmless water based forensic property marker which can be applied to copper and lead, as well as internal church valuables,” said Stephen Challenger Advisor on Church Buildings for the Diocese of Hereford.  “You can apply SmartWater with a paint brush to roofs, flashings and downpipes. A sign telling potential thieves will hopefully deter them completely as it can be traced back to each individual church.”

No two SmartWater systems have the same forensic code, meaning marked items can be irrefutably traced back to the church, and criminals coming into contact with SmartWater can be linked with the crime scene. The solution is invisible under normal light, but glows brightly under UV light making it easily identifiable by the police. Parishes are encouraged to coat roofs and other vulnerable material with the liquid.

“Lead theft locally has not been a huge problem for us, small theft and vandalism are bigger  ones, but that does not mean we should not use the best and latest technology where we can, added Stephen. “It’s not only lead roofs that need protecting, but lead flashings which are more easily accessible. We would encourage all our churches to use Smartwater.”

A free sample of Smartwater was sent by Eccesiastical Insurance Group (EIG) to every church it insures. The company insures more that 90% of Anglican Churches in England and Wales.