A HI-TECH crime deterrent aimed at helping catch criminals operating in the area has been rolled out across Southampton.

SmartWater, a new "liquid DNA" which can be painted onto household items or used in a spray format in cars and businesses, leaves a forensic fingerprint encoded with the owners' details which is almost impossible to remove.

The solution is undetectable under normal light, but any traces of the liquid will fluoresce under ultraviolet light.

Officers spent yesterday visiting schools and companies around the city to mark their property with SmartWater.

Crime prevention officer Sarah Badham, said: "Burglary within Southampton is fortunately relatively low. However SmartWater has been very successful in other parts of the country and we are hoping to recreate that success in Southampton."