School computers to be security-marked before summer holiday

Sussex Police and East Sussex County Council have teamed up for a security campaign which will see valuable equipment at schools marked with Smartwater, making it easy to trace and less attractive to thieves.

In a scheme funded by Sussex Police, schools will have their very own personalised version of the Smartwater which will identify the equipment as theirs. A small amount will be painted on each piece of IT equipment.

Smartwater spray systems will also be installed which will spray anybody breaking into the building to steal equipment.

Smartwater is harmless and invisible to the naked eye but it is visible under UV light, dries quickly and is almost impossible to remove.

It will mean that any computer equipment stolen from schools can be much more easily identified. And where offenders get sprayed with Smartwater, police will have the evidence to show they were at the scene of the crime.

East Sussex divisional commander Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson said: "We are pleased to be part of this partnership initiative protecting schools from crime.

"The use of Smartwater supports us in our continued drive to target and convict those offenders who commit crime and affect the quality of life for people in our communities.

"Young people and schools are an important part of our community and we will do everything we can to protect them from being victims of crime. Protecting school equipment also supports our commitment with partners to ensure young people in East Sussex are able to achieve the five outcomes in Every Child Matters, and being able to maximise their education is a critical part of this."

County council cabinet lead member for learning and school effectiveness Cllr David Elkin said: "We are delighted to be working with Sussex Police on this project.

"The equipment will be security-marked in time for the summer holidays when our schools are obviously more vulnerable to thieves.

"Computers are increasingly important in the education of our young people so it's vital they are made as secure as possible."