A crime fighting scheme has proved popular with villagers in Wychavon, as Peopleton residents became the latest to join the initiative.

Wychavon has been collaborating with the parish council and West Mercia Police to turn the area into a 'SmartWater Village', in efforts to deter criminals from targeting it.

Over 157 households in the area have enlisted in the strategy, surpassing the prerequisite 70% of the residents required to attain 'SmartWater Village' status.

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SmartWater is a colourless liquid solution applied to belongings and valuables, which is near impossible to remove and can only be viewed under ultraviolet light.

Each household has been supplied with a kit to label up to 75 items.

These marked possessions are then entered onto a national database, facilitating the return of stolen items to their rightful owners.

Wychavon District Council's community safety team, Peopleton Parish Lands charity, and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion funded the scheme.

Warning signs stating Peopleton as a SmartWater village have been erected, and residents have been provided with window stickers as further indicators.

Cllr Rob Adams, executive board member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport on Wychavon District Council, said: "I’m delighted yet another part of our district has achieved SmartWater status.

"By working together to make life difficult for criminals we can make Wychavon an even safer place to live."

Chair of the parish council, Tim Mason said: "Following recent burglaries in the village, several residents were keen to take some action.

"Thanks to the support of the police and Wychavon’s Community Safety team we are now a SmartWater village and I hope it will deter criminals from targeting our village again in future."

PCC John Campion added: "With more and more residents signing up to receive SmartWater kits, which I proudly help fund, properties are given further protection from theft and burglary, as well as criminals being deterred from these crimes."

The village of Tibberton has taken notice of Peopleton's uptake with intentions to follow suit.

Residents who wish to register should email their contact details to communitysafety@wychavon.gov.uk.