POLICE are deterring would-be thieves from breaking into homes by giving free security kits to residents.

Officers in Northgate, in Darlington, are delivering more than 1,000 SmartWater kits to houses in the area as part of a trial to monitor the effect of the crime prevention tool on burglaries.

SmartWater, which normally sells for about £60, is a colourless liquid which has a unique chemical code and can be applied to all suitable items.

It is only visible under ultraviolet light and is nearly impossible to wash off skin or clothing, so anyone caught by the police bearing traces of the fluid can be linked to the house where it was applied.

Chief Inspector Chris Reeves, neighbourhood policing manager for Darlington, said: “What is the point of stealing something that is marked and you can’t sell on?

“That is why we are distributing these kits - to stop criminals from breaking in and taking property.”

To support the campaign, officers will also be visiting known offenders to let them know SmartWater is being used in the area in a bid to stop them from committing offences.

Deputy Chief Constable, Mike Barton, said: “By getting SmartWater kits into houses across the town of Darlington, we are sending out a clear message to would-be thieves that if they attempt to steal property they will not get away with it; we will be able to trace them and they will be brought to justice.”

For more information on SmartWater contact a member of the Darlington safer neighbourhood unit on 01325-346253 or by emailing djsnu@durham.pnn.police.uk