Car thieves in Sussex will be "branded" by a special water spray which has a unique "fingerprint".

Police are running a pilot scheme in Hove using Smart Water - a clear liquid with a combination of chemicals like a DNA which can be traced.

The water has a forensic fingerprint that can be detected by using an ultra violet light.

Chief Inspector Stuart Harrison from Hove and Shoreham police told BBC News Online how it would be used to reduce car crime.

Harmless liquid

He said: "We are putting vehicles out in the division equipped with the Smart Water.

"If people break into a vehicle they will be sprayed with the Smart Water. They may not even know they have been sprayed.

"Then officers equipped with UV lamps will be able to pass them over people and the Smart Water would show up."

The liquid is not harmful and can stay on the skin for up to a month and on clothing indefinitely.

Ch. Insp. Harrison hopes the use of the liquid will also act as a deterrent to people considering committing car crime.

About 100 signs have been put up in the area warning people the scheme is in operation.