Elderly people marched to a rally outside Belfast City Hall

Speakers at the rally on Wednesday called on the police, government and community groups to do more to protect the more vulnerable members of society.

Police say the chances of an elderly person being the victim of burglary are small, but fear of crime remains a concern.

Statistics show that 421 homes of people over the age of 65 were broken into between April and July.

SDLP councillor Rosaleen Hughes appealed to Chief Constable Hugh Orde to take further measures.

"I know the police are very sparse on the ground, and maybe they don't have enough resources, but I think they should really be doing more," she said.

Police have put up signs showing areas protected by Smart Water

Meanwhile, the police have introduced a high-tech scheme designed to help them track down thieves and stolen goods.

SmartWater is a clear liquid with a combination of chemicals which can be traced.

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

It is being given to people in more than 500 households, who will be encouraged to mark their property with the liquid.

The water, which is not harmful, has microscopic particles laced through it.

Each one of them has a nine-digit number, which leaves a mark as individually identifiable as a fingerprint.

Burglars would be able to be identified for months afterwards, as the liquid cannot be washed off.

It shows up under ultra violet light and takes months to wash off

SmartWater chief executive Philip Cleary said the scheme had worked elsewhere.

"In Oldham, there was a multi-agency approach, where everyone worked together - police, local authorities, Victim Support and even second-hand dealers - to put pressure on the criminal fraternity," he said.

"In five months since they started the initiative, there has been a 60% reduction in burglary - that's a phenomenal result."

PSNI crime prevention officer Philip McCullough said any property marked with the liquid would be easily identifiable by police.

"We will easily be able to convict persons if the property is unlawfully in their possession," he said.