A MAN was caught stealing women's underwear from a washing line in Leominster during a police sting operation.

John Alexander Wall, 38, of Etnam Street, Leominster, was caught after police set a trap for the offender by planting underwear marked with SmartWater on a washing line.

On 15 July 2017, Wall was caught on camera stealing the underwear and his property was searched by officers. They uncovered the underwear marked with SmartWater and Wall was placed under arrest.

He pleaded guilty to theft at Hereford Magistrates Court on Saturday and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

The police operation was part of the We Don't Buy Crime initiative, a proactive campaign to protect people from theft and burglary and identify those responsible for these crimes.

Sergeant Ben Pearson said: "The identification and prosecution of Wall is great example of proactive policing helping to protect our communities and identify offenders and bring them to justice.

"It sends out a warning to other would be criminals that we are on the lookout for them and we may catch them when they least expect it."

The SmartWater product is a forensic traceable liquid that carries a unique forensic code that is registered to a specific address. Once applied, it is almost impossible to remove and can only be seen under ultraviolet (UV) light.

Any items recovered after they have been stolen can be returned to their owner and if a suspected thief is caught with the liquid on their body or clothes they can be linked back to the scene of the crime. It also acts a deterrent to would be criminals who know the risk they face if they take products marked with SmartWater.

Superintendent Tom Harding added: "This case demonstrates West Mercia Police's commitment, with funding and support from John Campion the Police and Crime Commissioner, to utilise the latest technology in the fight against crime. The versatility of products such as SmartWater are enabling us to have a significant impact on crime across the West Mercia policing area."

All residents in the West Mercia and Warwickshire policing areas can buy SmartWater at £25 at shop.smartwater.com/buy-crime-offer or call 0870 242 8899. Make sure you quote discount code WDBCRIME25.