A SPATE of break-ins has prompted one community to take policing into their own hands by using smart water to mark their valuables.

A community of residents in Botley have clubbed together to put money towards the smart water operation, which involves personal belongings being marked with traceable liquid.

It comes as the latest figures for 2019 on police.uk show there were at least seven burglaries, and seven other thefts in Botley and the surrounding areas in March alone.

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One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "It has been a real community effort.

"We have had a lot of of break-ins lately, even going back a couple of years and it can be quite scary.

"We certainly feel much more secure."

One of the most recent break-ins reported in the area including an attempt to force entry into the building site in Arnolds Way in Botley.

Thames Valley Police said it happened and between April 16 and 17 and warned residents to 'remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity especially at weekends or late evenings'.

Oxford Mail:

The community response from one group of residents hopes to ward off burglars using smart water.

Smart Water is an international crime fighting and crime prevention company that works to both detect and deter criminal activity.

The smart water is traceable liquid and a forensic marking system to help protect your valuables at home.

The liquid leaves a long-lasting and unique identifier which can only be visible under ultraviolet black light.

It is used on valuables so that if they are stolen and later recovered by police, the original owner can be determined through laboratory testing.

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Other versions of the smart water includes a sprinkler system that sprays a burglar with the invisible liquid, that cannot be washed off and last for months, to provide evidence that connects a suspect to that specific location.

Thames Valley Police in a newsletter said it has helped several communities in the area to become 'Smartwater Streets' and as such hope more residents will get on board and sign up to protect their property.

Signs have also been put up in the various areas to deter burglars from these areas.

A resident added: "We are very grateful to Thames Valley Police for organising this for us.

"We hope it will act as a deterrent against burglaries.

"It certainly makes us feel much safer."