PARISH councils in Bromsgrove are working with West Mercia Police to supply households with a SmartWater kit in an attempt to stamp down on burglaries in the district.

As part of the 'We Don't Buy Crime' campaign, Fairfield, Belbroughton, and Romsley Parish Councils have been handing out free SmartWater samples, which can then be applied to items of value to identify thieves if stolen and recovered by police.

The initiative, which has been funded by local parish councils and police and crime commissioner John Campion, has also seen signage installed to deter criminals from visiting the community.

Romsley parish councillor David Powell said: "The initiative has been a great success with over 75 per cent of the village now protecting their home using SmartWater.

"Signage has also been installed throughout the parish to send a clear message to criminals that Romsley are united and determined to protect our valuables against acquisitive crime."

SmartWater leaves a long-lasting and unique identifier, which is invisible except under an ultraviolet black light, and enables the police to trace valuables back to the owner.

The traceable liquid has so far had a 100 per cent conviction rate in court.

Fairfield Village Community Association's Raglan Palmer added: "We are grateful to the parish council, the police and crime commissioner’s office and West Mercia Police for their support and funding the rollout of SmartWater kits to properties in Fairfield, Wildmoor and Stoneybridge.

“SmartWater and the signage are two tools to help reduce the likelihood of an offence taking place. Local intelligence is also needed, and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity that they see to the police and with the Fairfield Neighbourhood Watch Group.

“Working together as a community we can give criminals the cold shoulder and help create a safer neighbourhood."