“SMART water” could be used to catch domestic abusers – Councillors have been told.

During an update on crime in the Bradford South area last month, Councillors were told of the different measures being used to tackle domestic abuse.

A report to the Bradford South Area Committee revealed that domestic abuse in the District has risen by over 11 per cent in the past year.

It said: “There were 18,033 incidents of domestic abuse recorded on Police systems across the Bradford district from May 2021 to April 2022.

“When compared to the previous 12 months, this is an increase of 11.7 per cent.

“It is likely that Covid restrictions have had an impact on this increase with more people spending time at home in closer proximity.”

The report said measures like smart water were being used to tackle the issue.

When asked how this worked, members were told victims of domestic abuse were given vials of smart water – which each have their own unique signature when placed under certain lights.

Inspector Andy Thornton from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Each canister has a unique code to it. They can spray the suspect and police can go around and check them for the spray.”