Smartwater allotment holders who have been plagued by thieves and vandals are fighting back with an innovative deterrent - water.

The green-fingered growers from Littlehampton have seen their plots trashed by yobs and their tools stolen in a series of attacks over recent years.

But now, working in conjunction with the police and Littlehampton Town Council, they have nurtured a new way to fight crime on their green spaces.

All it takes is a little water, but not applied by watering can. This is SmartWater, a clear liquid which shows up under ultra-violet light.

The key to the technology is that each batch contains a unique DNA-type code which means property can be traced back to where it belongs and link criminals to crimes.

When SmartWater comes into contact with skin it can stay there for up to a month and is difficult to remove.

On clothing it can remain for even longer.

Sergeant Peter Allan of Littlehampton police said allotments were often isolated and vulnerable places that provided "a haven for those who want to cause damage and commit theft".

He said that over the last few years, damage and break-ins to sheds at allotments in Littlehampton had increased and welcomed the new deterrent.

The SmartWater scheme is part of a wider project to protect allotment holders and their property.

Called Allotment Watch, the initiative includes putting up warning signs around allotment sites and stronger bolts on sheds.

It was officially launched at the Worthing Road allotments on Sunday by officers from the Littlehampton Neighbourhood Specialist Team (NST), members of the district and town councils and representatives from Littlehampton Allotment and Leisure Gardens Association (LALGA).

Police Community Support Officers Ray Fraser and Ray Murphy were joined by June Caffyn, Arun councillor for Wick with Toddington, Alan Gammon, Arun member for Brookfield and Alan Humphrey, secretary LALGA.

Mr Humphrey said: "The SmartWater initiative is a very good idea and is another item in the armoury in the battle against theft from allotments".

Sgt Allan said: "The launch of this scheme and the deployment of SmartWater technology shows a commitment that we all want to work together to stamp out this mindless damage that causes so much upset to those people who spend many hours tending their allotments.

"I'm pleased that Littlehampton NST are able to play their part in this initiative."

Coun Gammon said: "Marking tools and appliances is a good step in the right direction and hopefully will help deter people from stealing from sheds."

Allotment holders interested in getting their property marked with SmartWater should call Littlehampton police on 0845 60 70 999.