Thieves may think twice about targeting an estate after a major deterrent operation was launched.

People living in the Kingswood Estate in Watford have been given Smartwater kits; and will become the first "Smartwater village" in Hertfordshire.

Smartwater is a traceable liquid tag which can be applied to items of high value. The liquid contains a code which can only be seen under ultraviolet light. The liquid not only helps identify thieves but it also makes it easier for stolen items to be returned to its rightful owner.

On Saturday, the Kingswood Residents Association (KRA) launched its community safer day in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Watford Council at Kingsway Junior School. Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, attended alongside nearly 300 residents.

All 600 members of the residents association have been given a Smartwater kit and deterrent signs have been put up all over the estate, funded largely by the residents association.

KRA chairman John Swain said: "We have seen a large increase in burglaries in our area and we have taken the initiative to try and do something about it.

"This new Smartwater village is the largest outside London. The Met Police has seen a large reduction in crime in areas where Smartwater is used. It is not a solution to crime but it is a deterrent."

Stanborough ward councillor Tim Williams added: “Criminals do not like trying to sell goods that have been treated with Smartwater. There will be signs on the estate warning would be thieves that Smartwater is in use.”

Only people signed up to the KRA are eligible for the Smartwater kits.

To join the KRA or find out more, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/2029613220404367/