Police Provide Forensic Marking Kits to Protect Sports Clubs from Theft

Spate of Burglaries Across Devon and Cornwall

Since 1st March 2025, 36 sports clubs in Devon and Cornwall have been burgled, with thieves stealing tractors, mowers and other high-value equipment. The financial impact has been felt by many clubs, with some struggling to replace specialist machinery in time for the sporting season.

Police Turn to Forensic Marking

Devon & Cornwall Police have teamed up with DeterTech, Devon Cricket Foundation and Cornwall Cricket to prevent further thefts. Their Crime Prevention team is offering SmartWater forensic marking kits to cricket clubs at a reduced cost.

SmartWater is a forensic marking fluid used to mark valuable equipment. Each kit has a unique code that can be registered to a database. Though invisible to the naked eye, the fluid can be detected using UV lights and is guaranteed to last for at least five years in all weathers. This makes it possible for police to trace and return stolen goods.

Clubs will also receive signage warning thieves that equipment has been marked.

Police and Community Speak Out

Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor at Devon & Cornwall Police, Hannah Denton, said:

“Theft of tractors and mowers from sports clubs has a significant impact on the local community and it’s something we take very seriously.

We’ve had great support from Devon Cricket Foundation’s Facilities and Funding Manager, Nick Goodliffe who has helped to promote this scheme to clubs across the region.

So far, more than 60 clubs across Devon and Cornwall have signed up to the scheme and we’re hopeful that this – combined with policing tactics – will send a clear message to thieves targeting sports clubs in the force area.”

Bridestowe & Belstone Cricket Club near Okehampton was one of the first victims. Facilities Manager James Ewen explained:

“We were shocked to have been targeted so close to the start of the season and it had a massive financial impact on the club. It wasn’t easy to replace the specialist mowers and equipment at short notice, and we are very grateful to local businesses who helped us out.

We are particularly vulnerable due to our rural location and we were pleased to hear about the SmartWater scheme. We hope that this will deter thieves in the future along with other improved security measures such as improved locks and cameras.”

How Clubs Can Get Involved

SmartWater kits for commercial use usually retail at £300 but cricket clubs can currently purchase them for just £60.

Sports clubs in Devon and Cornwall who are interested in learning more about forensic marking kits should contact Crime Prevention Tactical Advisor Hannah Denton by email: Hannah.denton@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk