A property marking system called SmartWater has been hailed a success after burglaries in the Doncaster borough were reduced by more than 15 per cent.
A total of 30,000 SmartWater kits have been handed out across the borough since the project launched in June 2006. All of the free kits have now been delivered, but residents can still purchase a kit by contacting their local Neighbourhood Watch group or local community group.
SmartWater is a colorless, odorless liquid which marks any item with a unique DNA style chemical formula. Invisible to the eye, it can be applied on all types of household items from DVD players and plasma TVs to MP3 players and jewellery. The liquid glows under an ultraviolet light, consequently identifying to police any stolen items and the handlers of the stolen goods. It is impossible for a thief to remove all traces of it. Just like DNA, it only needs a speck of SmartWater to identify the rightful owner.
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