RESIDENTS are being offered a smart new tool in the battle against thieves and burglars.

People living in St Peter’s and Battenhall can benefit from a new police-backed scheme offering marking solution SmartWater at a discount price through Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators.

The clear liquid – which lasts up to 150 years, can be used to mark up any valuables and kicks off in Worcester just before Christmas.

A single vial of the fluid usually costs about £48 with two-year follow up fees but through Neighbourhood Watch schemes will only cost householders a one-off payment of £20 in the two wards.

For every 10 packs ordered in an area a street sign will also be sent warning would-be thieves SmartWater is in use.

PC Andy Chuter, St Peter’s local policing officer, said the police are keen to raise awareness because of SmartWater’s deterrent value.

He explained: “We need to make people aware of this over Christmas. The results speak for themselves, everywhere SmartWater has been distributed there has been a drop in burglaries by a third.”

PC Chuter added the scheme had already been successfully trialled in rural Worcestershire to mark horse tack through the Horsewatch scheme.

Last month, 400 Worcester Community Housing tenants were given the fluid after a spate of thefts and no burglaries have been reported since.

Each pack contains a vial with an applicator for up to 100 items, stickers and a form to register the vial’s unique DNA-like code with the SmartWater national database.

All PCs and CSOs have an ultraviolet light which reveals SmartWater and allows officers to trace suspected stolen items.

Paul Minshull, Neighbourhood Watch Battenhall co-ordinator, said: “The product speaks for itself, it’s invisible to the naked eye, it doesn’t damage your items, it’s quick and easy to apply.

“The problem at the moment is police recover suspected stolen goods but have no way of tracing the owners, but SmartWater solves that.”

PC John McLaren, area SmartWater co-ordinator, said: “It’s a psychological tool which helps us to put criminals on the back foot.”

To get a pack, contact Geoff Simmons on 01905 353013 or e-mail geoff@simmons-web. com, or call Graham Houghton on 01905 425382, or e-mail grahamwhoughton1@tiscali.co.uk.