Metal thieves who have ripped lead from roofs and left churches facing thousands of pounds in repair bills, are being targeted by police.

DNA marking grease is being attached to metal on properties in Poole to help catch offenders taking advantage of high scrap metal prices.

This has been welcomed by Chris Walton, church warden of St John’s at Broadstone where the roof was raided. “Previous experience is this does deter people,” he said.

This high tech way of fighting back has been funded by the local Community Safety Partnership and the spray grease has been applied to a number of sites across Poole.

It contains microdots which bear a unique batch reference number. When touched the grease sticks to skin and clothing, helping officers identify those who have been in contact with marked metal and making it easier to discover and trace back stolen metal.

“We have identified a number of properties where we believe this method will either stop the crime occurring or give us a high chance of capturing those foolish enough to continue with these types of thefts,” said Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant, Andy Jenkins.

“On some sites, such as Upton House and St Johns Church in Broadstone, there are clear signs indicating the presence of the grease.

“At other sites the first indication to any thief would be when police officers point it out to them just prior to their arrest.

He added: “The public can assist us in tackling metal theft by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity that they notice to Dorset Police.”

Grade II* listed Upton House has been targeted by metal thieves over recent years while recently St John’s Church was left with a £10,000 repair bill after lead was stripped from the roof on two occasions letting in water which damaged a £100,000 refurbishment.

“Better late than never,” said Mr Walton, 69. “It’s such a shame. All the redecoration and the new lighting system we had last September hasn’t come out of it very well.”