RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
Homebase gets smart
DIY giant Homebase is set to introduce forensic marking in a number of its UK stores following a successful trial with Smartwater, a unique traceable liquid and forensic asset marking solution applied to high value items to deter theft and support the police in recovering stolen property and securing a successful conviction.
The retailer pilot saw a 20 per cent reduction in stock loss – and, subsequently, a sales increase of 10 per cent – across a number of its branches located in high crime areas.
Homebase initially trialled SmartWater in key stock loss areas, such as demonstration hardware, in some of its worst affected stores. Applying the traceable liquid to power tools and other valuable items, and prominently displaying ‘Protected by SmartWater’ signage, acted as a clear deterrent to criminals and resulted in an immediate reduction in stock loss.
Warren Baggett, trading loss prevention manager at Homebase, commented: “Working with SmartWater will help us prevent theft, while making shopping for valuable items in our stores easier for customers. Our partnership will also help us to crack down on thieves and, importantly, protect our store teams.”
Gary Higgins, chief operations officer at the SmartWater Group, added: “Criminals hate SmartWater as they know it makes it far more likely that they’ll be caught and also that they’ll be successfully prosecuted. As a result, they tend to steer well clear of retailers who deploy it. We’re proud to be supporting Homebase in deterring theft from its stores, ensuring that anybody stupid enough to target the company can expect to face the consequences.”
SmartWater Group technology is widely deployed in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors where it has made criminal activity significantly less attractive to perpetrators and helped to secure numerous successful convictions.
