Hi-tech water in anti-crime bid

Hundreds of homes in Northamptonshire are being handed a high-tech marking spray as part of a programme to curb burglaries and thefts.

Homeowners in Wellingborough are receiving SmartWater pens, which carry a unique DNA code, to mark their belongings, police said.

Ultra-violet detection equipment is used by police in custody suites to spot SmartWater on anyone arrested.

The scheme will eventually be rolled out to Rushden, Kettering and Corby.

Sgt Dennis Murray, of Northamptonshire Police, said: "What we are trying to do is prevent and reduce burglary by following a highly visible strategy so criminals are aware that people's property is being marked.

"Then, if offenders steal that property or attempt to steal that property it could lead to us arresting them and charging them."