A HIGH-tech crime-fighting spray has been issued to a nursery school in Burnley after a spate of thefts.

Thieves have targeted Rosegrove Nursery School, Havelock Street, five times in the last six months, causing £1,000 in damage and stealing a scanner worth £400.

Police have installed the SelectaDNA, glows blue under ultraviolet light and can tie a burglar to a crime, inside and outside of the building.

PC Phil Buck, crime prevention officer, said: “Offenders have been so determined they have risked serious injury climbing the fences to enter the building.

“These thefts have not only caused stress to the staff, children and parents who use the school but significant damage has also been caused to gain entry.”

The transferable DNA, which cannot be washed away, comes in the form of grease with its own unique code.

This transfers to the skin, clothes, hair and shoes of an offender forensically linking them to the scene of a crime and making it more likely they will be caught.

PCSO Charlotte Broadhurst, who installed the device, said: “We have letter dropped all homes in the area and spoken with parents.

“Thieves should be aware of the disruption and stress they cause. If you break in again, we will catch you.”

Sarah Jones, acting headteacher at the nursery, said: “The high level of damage caused by the repeated break-ins has put strain on the nursery resources and staff.

“We hope that investing in this innovative product will deter any potential future intruders.”

Any other schools in the area that are interested in the installation of forensic DNA to deter thieves, can contact the Crime Prevention Department on 01282 472705.