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A burglar is walking the streets waiting to be caught red-handed, after being sprayed with anti-theft liquid when they broke into Oaks Park’s tea rooms.

Sutton detectives have launched an appeal to find the culprit, who smashed two windows to get into the back of the premises, off Croydon Lane.

On entry, the burglar was sprayed with SmartWater Liquid, which glows yellow under UV light, so police are searching for anyone showing signs of being marked by the substance. The solution also contains a forensic code which will link the offender back to the crime scene.

It is exceptionally hard to remove and remains on skin and clothing for a considerable time. Detective Sergeant Darrell Knowles, leading the investigation, asked the culprit to hand themselves in. A dog unit assisted police with a search of the area after the burglary at 10.30pm, in which a number of plates were smashed, but nobody was found.