Enfield is leading the way in introducing a new technique to catch burglars.
The borough will become the first in London to launch a new MetTrace scheme using SmartWater, a permanent liquid that leaves a permanent unique trace on every item so it can be returned to its owner.
It also shows up under ultraviolet light so the police can identify when an item has been stolen.
There are plans to issue more than 27,000 homes with Smartwater kits over three years.
Enfield Borough Council and Enfield police are hoping to build on the success of the Safe as Houses scheme, which provided anti-burglary products to residents and saw a 35 per cent reduction in burglary.
Superintendent Carl Robinson, of Enfield Police, said: “Met Trace aims to reduce of burglary, deter criminals and reassure residents that Enfield Police are committed to making our borough a safer place in which to live, work and visit.”
Cabinet member for environment Cllr Daniel Anderson said: “This is a great scheme which will reassure residents, deter criminals and demonstrate our commitment to keeping people, and their property safe from harm.”
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