 It is hoped that SmartWater's presence will deter criminals. |
Police in Darlington are marking property at every school in the borough with a hi-tech solution to help deter burglars and vandals. SmartWater is a highly sophisticated, clear, forensic liquid that can be applied to valuable equipment.
Each bottle of SmartWater carries its own unique DNA type code so that police can trace where the property came from.
It is hoped that the scheme will cut down on burglaries and damage to buildings over the school holidays.
Every child will also be given a leaflet to take home telling them that property in their school is being marked with SmartWater.
Summer holidays
Before the summer holidays, posters will also be put up outside every school.
Funding from Darlington Council means that every school is being given SmartWater to use over the next two years.
Chris McEwan, Darlington Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "SmartWater is one way to help protect our schools from theft and vandalism, but it can only work if everyone in the community helps.
"We hope people will be vigilant over the summer holidays and report anything suspicious so vandalism and theft can be stopped."
Insurance claims from Darlington schools in relation to theft and vandalism have increased by more than 50% in the past year.
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