A PROJECTOR stolen from a Darlington school has been recovered thanks to an innovative security system.

Earlier this year, every school in the borough was issued with Smartwater, a clear, forensic solution that can be applied to valuable property.

Each bottle carries its own unique DNA-type code that enable police to identify where stolen property has come from.

Schools used the Smart-water to mark property including projection equipment, which was targeted by thieves in the summer holidays.

A number of projectors were stolen from schools and police believed they were then sold on cheaply to be used with PlayStations to beam images on to walls.

After a police investigation, a projector has been recovered and a man has been arrested on suspicion of theft.

Chris McEwan, of Darlington Borough Council, said: "The council has worked closely with Darlington police in an effort to reduce theft and vandalism from our schools, and it is very pleasing to see positive results from this partnership and the use of Smartwater."

Inspector Brian Maudling, from Darlington police, said: "We have worked closely with Darlington Borough Council to help protect schools from theft. Smartwater has helped us not only identify stolen goods, but return them to their rightful owner."

Since the thefts, headteachers have been working with the council to review school security.

A number of schools now have security cameras and intruder alarms linked to the Town Hall.

Council officials are also liasing with suppliers of projection equipment to fit security pin numbers to projectors to make equipment useless when stolen by thieves.