17^th Jul 2017

Sheffield police chiefs are on the lookout for landlords with empty properties to help them in the fight against crime and catch offenders.

The police want to fit the rpoperties with high level surveillance equpiment to try and entrap citywide burglars breaking into homes.

They have expressed interest in the specific areas Broomhill, Crookes, Hunters Bar and Walkley.

This is not the first time the force is asking for assistance from landlords as in previous 'stings' they fitted properties with high-tech surveillance equipment to trap criminals carrying out, or finding them with stolen goods after the act.

State of the art cameras and SmartWater traps are all part of the next operation, the water traps will spray the offenders leaving a stain that is undetected by the human eye but reveals itself under special lights.

Each Smartwater trap will have its own specific DNA style code for every property which greatly improves chances of linking criminals to each crime scene.

Landlords who would like to find out more details of the operation should contact Officer Martin Simcock by email: martin.simcock@southyorks.pnn.police.uk

Richard Merrick of PIMS, said: " There is still very much a spirit of community across the UK and I am sure that some landlords will be only too happy to help make areas better places for everyone. However will landlords really wish to involve themselves in a 'Honey- trap Sting?

"There is enough of a burden on landlords having to 'self-police' with the 'Right to Rent' landlord legislation."

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