FIREFIGHTERS and housing landlords are joining forces with the police to wage a high-tech war against criminals in Pendle.

Staff from the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and Housing Pendle will receive training from officers in how to mark properties using Smart-water.

The substance is a forensic fluid used to deter thieves and ensure that if items are taken offenders can be easily identified.

SmartWater is practically invisible but made up of microscopic particles con-taining an identification code similar to DNA which means it is easily traceable.

If offenders handle goods marked with Smartwater they will be identified because the substance is irremovable.

It will show up under UV lights when suspects are taken into police custody.

Once firefighters are trained in the application of Smartwater, they will be able to offer it when they conduct home fire safety checks.

In addition Housing Pendle staff will be able to mark properties managed by the landlord.

Sgt Natasha Shaw from Pendle’s multi-agency problem solv-ing team, said: “Marking valuables with SmartWater greatly improves the chances of them being returned to you if they are stolen. It also significantly increases the risk of offenders being caught.

“It is already proving very popular and successful in Pendle helping us to detect a number of offences.

“That’s one of the reasons why we are keen to extend its use and train other agencies, aside from the police, how to use it.”

She added: “Hopefully by working together we can reduce our already low crime levels even further, making Pendle an even safer place in which to live and work.”