Smart dye used to catch thieves

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service is to spray its equipment with SmartWater in a bid to catch thieves.

The service plans to coat all its equipment with the chemical, which is invisible to the naked eye but shows up under ultra-violet light.

Police forces can scan suspects for signs of the dye to check if they have handled stolen goods.

SmartWater can remain on the skin for up to eight weeks and has helped to secure a series of convictions.

Bedfordshire Police is among a string of forces which has put UV lights in its stations to check for traces of the chemical on people who have been arrested.

Property recovered by police which is believed to be stolen is also checked.