Security at hundreds of Southern Water sites across the region 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 cases.