POLICE in Bishop Auckland are offering free security marking to anyone buying a new bicycle.

Anyone buying a bike from Halford’s, in Bob Hardisty Drive, will be given information on how they can get the Smart Water security mark put on the frame of their bike.

During the last financial year 1,611 bikes were reported stolen across County Durham and Darlington. The majority of which were not security marked so could not be reunited even if they were recovered.

Smart Water is invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under ultra-violet light. Each application has a unique code, which is linked to a person or address giving it the nickname of liquid DNA.

The initiative is being funded by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), together with motor dealer SG Petch and South Durham Partnerships.

PC Dickie Day, of Bishop Auckland police station, said: "We are also offering free security marking for other valuables, as well as pedal cycles.

"Using Smart Water provides an instant method of being able to trace the owner and if we find a marked bike or other item in the possession of anyone else, it is almost certain to be stolen property,"

Anyone who has property marked with the liquid is issued with stickers which can be placed in the window alerting potential thieves to the measures taken.