Security at Southern Water sites has been beefed up thanks to an invisible security tagging system.

Called SmartWater, the product has been sprayed onto generators, cables and other equipment to deter thieves.

The system works by coating items in an invisible, long-lasting layer of liquid containing a unique chemical code.

The liquid is only visible under ultraviolet light and cannot be washed off. As well as identifying property and linking it back to specific sites and owners, SmartWater can also be used by police to identify criminals who come into contact with it – providing compelling evidence that can be used in court.

Police and SmartWater investigators are also carrying out visits to scrap metal and recycling yards.

Scrap dealers are being issued with UV lights so they can check for SmartWater and are being warned that if they purchase SmartWater marked metal then they could potentially face a charge of handling stolen goods.

Southern Water sites across Kent have now been tagged and signs warning would-be thieves have been put up.

Phil Jackson, Southern Water’s resilience and security manager, said: “This comprehensive tagging of Southern Water equipment with SmartWater will help deter thieves from targeting our sites. Our message is simple. Steal from us and you will get caught– so don’t even try.”