A CRIME prevention product used for the unique identification of household articles is to be made available across the Harrogate area.

The initiative has been put together by police and the Neighbourhood Watch organisation.

They have acquired 150 household SmartWater kits which are available at a modest cost for neighbourhood watch members through their relevant local co-ordinators.

SmartWater is a clear liquid which can be applied to everyday items ranging from televisions and computers to jewellery and golf clubs. It leaves an indelible identification mark which the police can identify using ultraviolet equipment.

Community Safety Sergeant Geoff Crocker said: "The police regularly recover stolen property but are unable to identify the original owner, which can result in the items actually being handed back to the thief.

"The use of SmartWater makes the job of identifying such property much easier."

He said: "It also has a strong deterrent effect as thieves are reluctant to target properties where the product is in use, for fear of contamination by the fluid which will link them directly to the crime. Now is a good time to seek and use crime prevention methods which, in the event of a theft, will substantially increase the chances of recovery of our possessions."