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Innovative technology will be used to tackle a spate of stone thefts from cemeteries in Barnoldswick and Earby.

"Smartwater" is to be placed on stones in Earby and Barnoldswick's Ghyll cemetery following 20 thefts last October.

The chemically altered liquid is invisible to the naked eye, but contains a unique code similar to DNA. It can be seen under ultra-violet light, remains on the skin for weeks and can be used to link thieves to specific crimes.

The West Craven Area Committee Safety Partnership is funding the initiative, which will begin in the next few months.

During the spate of thefts, police suspected people dressed as workers were loosening the stones during the day, then returning at night to steal them.

Sergeant Carole Langhorn, who covers West Craven, said there had also been problems with stone thefts from gate posts of homes on Colne Road and Skipton Road in Earby, with 13 incidents reported since February.

Sgt Langhorn said: "The Smartwater is on order with funding from the West Craven Committee and we should hopefully be able to use it soon.

"We have had a problem with increased stone thefts. We have done a leaflet drop to warn people to be on the lookout for workers in the area when there is no work being done."

Sgt Langhorn said anyone who saw anything suspicious should contact the police on 01282 425001 or 472820.

4:10pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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