Police are combating metal thieves on Teesside by marking buildings with handheld inkjet printers.
Officers in the Redcar and Cleveland district have been testing a fast drying ink which leaves a dark-coloured message on lead and other metals.
They have also been using an invisible ink, which shows up in ultra-violet light, on features such as drain pipes.
A spokesman said two local roofers had so far helped police test the system on two buildings in the area.
Pc Ian Solomon, of Cleveland Police, said: "Thefts of lead and other metals have been a problem recently and we are pleased to do all we can to help local businesses and organisations protect their property."
He added officers would be in contact with local metal recyclers to ask them to look out for marked metal.
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