It may look like a child's toy helicopter which squirts water but this is actually the latest high-tech gadget which police are using to fight crime.

By Frank Urquhart IT IS a crime you would be forgiven for thinking had disappeared with the passing of Dixon of Dock Green. But thefts of metal from roofs and signposts across Scotland have risen dramatically, driven by high prices for copper, lead and aluminium on world markets.

DNA-STYLE technology is the latest weapon in the fight against gangs who strip out metals for scrap. Durham Police say rising prices of copper and lead has seen a nationwide increase in thefts with church roofs and building sites being targeted.

A CRIME-fighting liquid is being used to tackle security van attacks. Robbers will be sprayed with an invisible ink called SmartWater if they try to open stolen cashboxes.