Burgled villagers from Kings Langley are to be offered extra protection to safeguard their property.

At a parish council meeting on Tuesday evening, PC Nik Pringle revealed that Smartwater, a chemical forensic marking system, similar in concept to a DNA profile, would be offered to residents who had recently been burgled.

He said: “Every person who has been burgled recently has had Smartwater added to their property free of charge.

“Property can be marked with Smartwater and although not visible to the naked eye, can be detected by UV lighting.

“Smartwater usually costs £50 and requires a continuous fee of £50 each year, but for a period it will be available to other Kings Langley residents for a reduced one off fee of £15 plus VAT, providing a minimum of eight houses order.

“For a neighbourhood watch committee this would be a fantastic opportunity.

“The Smartwater initiative is a great idea, it marks most items of property and it should deter burglars.

“If we catch anyone with Smartwater when they shouldn’t – they’ll have a lot of explaining to do.”

Andy Reynolds, watch liaison officer for neighbourhood watch, said: “Last year Dacorum area saw an increase in dwelling burglary of 33 per cent.

“As a result Dacorum Police have marked up property in selected areas, in an attempt to reduce the number of burglaries.”

For more information on Smartwater, contact Andy Reynolds on 01442 271020 or visit www.smartwater.com