POLICE in Burnley are launching their latest weapon in the fight against crime -- a tin of paint and a couple of brushes.

Working with housing bosses in Burnley, they are to paint selected homes in Belvedere Road with special anti-vandal paint in a bid to prevent hooligans climbing on to roofs.

The paint never completely dries and anyone trying to climb the surface would come to earth with a bump -- complete with the tell tale signs of paint on them.

The simple but effective idea was the brainchild of PC John Bradshaw. He said: "We have had a number of calls and letters from residents in Belvedere Road about youths climbing on to roofs and running along the tops of houses."

PC Bradshaw added police had visited the area a number of times but were keen to find a longer-term solution -- "That is why we got together with Burnley and Padiham Housing Company and bought the paint."

Housing company spokesman Alan Tyrell said: "We are happy to be working with police on this project -- as well as with the residents who have been fully supportive."

Police are also stepping up patrols in the area and have promised tough action against anyone caught climbing on to roofs or caught with the tell-tale signs of having tried to climb on to them.