THIEVES thinking of going back to school for some extra-curricular crime activities can think again, says Blackpool Borough Council.

The council and Lancashire Police are supplying the town's schools with 'Smartwater' kits to improve security, in time for the Easter weekend.

Staff can use the kits to mark hundreds of items such as computers and televisions with an identification number which is linked to a national Smartwater database.

Primary schools will be able to mark up to 150 items, and secondary schools up to 600.

The new technology is an 'effective means of identifying stolen goods' and helps provide evidence to secure convictions, a council spokeswoman said. The council has committed to the scheme for two years.

David Lund, director for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "We cannot have the education of the town's pupils continually upset by mindless criminals and we intend to do everything possible to improve the current situation."

Pat Perkins, acting head of Blackpool's Devonshire Juniors, Devonshire Road, which has had a series of burglaries,added: "Schools are increasingly investing in technology, for the benefit of pupils and their overall learning experience, but it's important to adequately protect such property."

Chief Inspector Bill McMahon of Lancashire Police, said: "This initiative is a wake-up call to the criminal fraternity that schools are not an easy target. In instances where property is stolen, thieves can and will be traced, and dealt with accordingly.