STUDENTS are being offered the chance to use a high tech marking technique to deter burglars from taking their property.

The University of Chester has teamed up with Cheshire police to encourage the university students to have their belonging marked with a solution which is impossible to see with the naked eye but once applied cannot be removed.

Using the smart water system means if your property is stolen forensic examinations will be able to establish it is yours and could link a criminal to the crime scene.

Steve Clapham, the University Proctor, says: "Opportunist thieves are able to enter through unattended doors and windows and quickly make away with items such as mobile phones, laptops and MP3 players.

"Smart Water not only helps in property recovery but also discourages burglars from attempting thefts when they know that residents in a particular area have their property marked in this way."