AN innovative system of marking intruders as they break into a house was launched at the conference in a move to improve Darlington community safety measures.

The water-based product can be used to security mark any item in the home and can be put in alarm systems that spray a clear jet across trespassers.

The Smart Water system leaves a mark on whatever it comes into contact with that only shows up under ultra-violet light.

PC Steve Rich said: "Every suspect who comes in will be screened under UV light.

"Officers on patrol will also carry UV lights to be able to stop people and make checks. For example we can stop kids on bikes and use the light to see if the bikes are stolen. If they are, then the mark will also tell us who the owners are."

The product, sold by ESS Limited, is similar to DNA profiling in that each application has its own unique characteristics and users will have their details registered on a national database.

Kits, costing from £20, will be sold through Neighbourhood Watch representatives. They will be handed out free to vulnerable people, such as repeat victims of burglary.