SCHOOLS and hospitals in Blackburn are hoping to sink burglars with water.

Property at the town's hospitals and 12 schools are being marked with SmartWater, a liquid that stays on the skin for weeks and shows up under ultraviolet (UV) lighting.

To detect burglars, a UV archway has been installed at the custody office of Greenbank police station, Whitebirk.

Every person arrested will be passed under it, exposing those who have carried out burglaries.

The archway and several hand-held UV devices cost £10,000 but police think it will be well worth it.

Det Insp Jim Elston said: "This is a great example of where very simple cost-ffective methods can be used to great effect in the prevention and detection of crime.

"I am optimistic the initiative will be successful for three reasons.

"As a real deterrent to offenders so preventing a crime occurring in the first place, by detecting offences when they have occurred through the identification of individuals or property marked by the water, and thirdly, by increasing the prospects of reuniting valuable property with the rightful owners."

Computers, printers and other expensive equipment have been marked.

And covert devices have been placed in selected schools that will, when activated, spray intruders with SmartWater.

Each solution of SmartWater has a unique coding so that property can be reunited with its owners by searching a database.

A two-year subscription to the SmartWater database costs £120.

Pam Barnes, headteacher of Longshaw Junior School, one of the schools taking part, said: "Schools use computers and whiteboards everyday in lessons so if that kind of equipment is stolen it has a massive impact on the children's learning.

"It is very disruptive too, as staff have to try and obtain replacements quickly and re-plan lessons.

"It can be weeks before children have full access to the technology they are used to. It also affects the school financially so we welcome any initiative which helps to deter thieves."

Coun Andy Kay, chair of the town's community safety partnership which is also involved in the scheme, said: "The partnership has been very happy to support this project as this is an innovative use of technology that can help us to reduce crime."

Chris Kinsler, trust security manager for East Lancashire Health Trust, added: "Along with the other agencies, we are fully committed to participating in and supporting these crime prevention measures."