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Theft and vandalism in Darlington schools have fallen by 40 per cent in the past year.

Darlington Borough Council and the police claim the drop is due to the use of SmartWater, a colourless liquid
applied to property that gives it its own unique forensic fingerprint.

The mark is virtually invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen under ultraviolet light, which means police can easily identify where marked property belongs.All schools in Darlington use SmartWater and the police regularly patrol areas around schools to deter criminals.

Kevin Drewett, police liaison manager for SmartWater Technology, which provides the liquid, said: “Positive results are being achieved, demonstrating that SmartWater is a highly-effective crime prevention tool.”

Each year there is an increase in thefts and vandalism in schools nationally during the summer holidays. To counter that, the council is this year calling on pupils, staff and residents to call the police if they see anything suspicious in or around a school.

Bill Dixon, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhood services and community safety, said: “SmartWater in our schools has proven to be an effective deterrent to thieves and has also ensured that stolen equipment can be returned to its rightful owner.”