DNA code markers to lower crime

Hundreds of homes in a Northamptonshire town are being handed high-tech marking spray in a crime prevention scheme.

Kettering's homeowners are to receive SmartWater pens, which carry a unique DNA code, to mark their belongings, a police spokesman said.

The markings can then be picked up by officers on both the belongings and anyone caught handling them.

The scheme was brought to 600 homes in Wellingborough in March, and will be rolled out to Rushden and Corby.

Sgt Dennis Murray, of Northamptonshire Police, said: "The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to mark their property with SmartWater.

"This will help to protect their property and cut the amount of burglaries taking place in the Kettering area.

"The strategy is highly visible so that criminals are aware that people's property is being marked.

"If offenders then steal or attempt to steal this marked property, it could lead to us arresting them and charging them."