ALL schools in Darlington Borough will be given Smartwater in a bid to deter crime.

Theft and vandalism at schools in Darlington costs the borough council £75,000 each year.

In an effort to deter criminals, the council is giving all schools the Smartwater, which is used to mark property with a 'forensic fingerprint'.

The mark is virtually invisible to the naked eye but shows up under UV light and is almost impossible to remove. It links anyone in possession of items with the crime scene.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for neighbourhood services and community safety said: "When mindless vandalism and thefts take place at our schools, it costs us money, not to mention the inconvenience and hassle of making the buildings secure again and replacing valuable equipment.

"We want these idiots who vandalise our schools to know there's no point in targeting them, because not only is all the equipment inside security marked with Smartwater, but local people are also keeping an eye on things, so they will more than likely be caught."