A FORENSIC coding system is being introduced to help prevent thefts from empty properties.

Housing management company East Durham Homes (EDH) has joined forces with the police to introduce the security marking scheme following a spate of thefts of lead and copper fittings.

SmartWater - a clear liquid - is a coding technique which protects property and acts as a deterrent to criminals.

The fluid, which glows under an ultra-violet light, can be easily applied to any item in the home, commercial premises or vehicle.

Each batch of the substance has a unique DNA-type code, which enables police to trace stolen items back to their owner.

If criminals are found in possession of SmartWater-treated goods, they can be clearly linked to the crime, which increases the likelihood of them being prosecuted.

Crime prevention officer Graeme Davison said yesterday: "It is now clear that lead is rapidly becoming the stolen material of choice among the criminals in the Easington area.

"As a result, roofing lead and other items have been targeted by thieves across our district. As well as the replacement cost of the lead, the resultant damage to the building and its contents can become very costly."

He added: "EDH properties have been a target for these criminals, and by introducing the SmartWater scheme we hope to prevent this type of crime occurring."

The impact of the spiralling number of thefts was also highlighted by Ian Vickers, EDH regeneration manager, who said: "Theft from empty properties that are scheduled for regeneration or redevelopment has become a serious problem for us.

"By using SmartWater, we hope this will deter further break-ins. If not, stolen items, which have been marked, can be traced back to us and the criminal will be prosecuted."

Properties which have been treated with the system will be marked with the SmartWater logo on doors and shutters.

Anyone with information regarding the metal thefts can contact the police on 0845-60-60-365, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555111.