Cash Converters, a pre-owned and nearly new goods retail franchise, has taken a robust approach to prevent criminals seeking to sell on stolen goods.

Using state of the art forensic and security coding systems, teams at Cash Converters stores around the UK are working with local police to help bring criminals to justice and return stolen goods to their rightful owners.

One such partnership has involved the forensic coding system SmartWater being used in a number of Cash Converters stores. A colourless liquid with a unique chemical marker, SmartWater, can be painted on to almost any item and enables property to be traced back to its owner.

Cash Converters Redditch worked with West Mercia constabulary, which supplied the store with a UV lamp to check for traces of the liquid on items brought into the store.

PC Eddie Mills, Crime Risk Manager for Redditch police, said: 'This agreement between police and Cash Converters sends out a clear message to criminals operating in Redditch. We are working together within the community to reduce burglary and with a co-ordinated approach and the use of the latest technology, we'll make it difficult for burglars to profit from crime.'

Mark Lemmon, Cash Converters Chief Executive, added: 'As a leading high street retailer, we pride ourselves on being security conscious in all our stores. All Cash Converters staff receive comprehensive training and are continuously alert to potentially suspicious items and behaviour.

'We are committed to working with the police to reduce crime and operate a strictly enforced identification policy requiring customers to provide adequate and up-to-date identification. The Cash Converters in store computer system also logs serial numbers to inform staff of suspicious items and in turn we can call in the police.'

The Cash Converter Chatham store is being recognised for its commitment to preventing crime by Kent Police. The store has been allocated a police liaison officer who is quick to communicate stolen items which may be brought into the store for sale. This close contact and transparent communication has resulted in an impressive record of proactive crime prevention in the area. This follows a similar award to the Portsmouth store from Hampshire Constabulary.

Mark added: 'We encourage all store owners to build a relationship with their local constabulary. In areas where there has been the opportunity to do so we have had some great successes that show how we can work together to prevent criminal behaviour.'

Published: 7 May 2009

Back to news