TARRINGTON has become the first village in Herefordshire to join the ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ scheme.

Warning signs have been placed around the village to deter would-be thieves and around 150 SmartWater packs - which residents can use to mark their property - have been distributed.

A spokesman said: “The ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ signs aim to act as a deterrent to reduce crimes such as burglary, robbery and theft that harms our communities, especially at this time of year with darker nights and Christmas approaching.

“Marking your property with SmartWater helps to disrupt the market for stolen goods. Local second-hand goods traders and police officers are equipped to detect the presence of SmartWater on property, increasing the likelihood that it will be reunited with its rightful owner and offenders prosecuted.”

Each SmartWater pack has its own unique forensic code - allowing it to be traced back to the owner.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “ Funding SmartWater is just one of the ways I am delivering on that promise, so I am pleased that Tarrington will become Herefordshire’s first ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ village.”