HEADTEACHERS from schools across Darlington are meeting today to find out about a new crime-fighting device that could help cut theft and vandalism.

Police and council chiefs will be demonstrating how SmartWater can be used to tackle criminas.

The clear solution can be applied to valuable property, such as computers.

Each bottle carries its own DNA-type code that can be detected by police and used to identify where property came from - making it difficult to sell on.

Headteachers will meet at Morton Park for the presentation.

Don Bristow, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for resources, said: "Money spent on replacing stolen equipment and repairing vandalised property in our schools is money that could be used on books, equipment and other valuable resources that will help us to provide the best possible education and future for our children.

"SmartWater can help to address this problem and provide a solution and an effective plug to this drain on our finances."