MILITARY satellites and high-tech DNA spray were used to track a thief who broke into a sting car left by police in a busy Hammersmith street.

Ian Harris was caught on camera in King Street smashing his way through the window of the car, which is one of a fleet of vehicles kitted out with covert monitoring equipment and left on streets around the borough.

The 25-year-old stole a laptop from the car on April 7, and a tracking device fitted to the computer allowed police to track it by satellite to his home in the White City Estate.

Harris was also sprayed with an invisible dye which has a unique DNA, stays on skin and clothes for months and can only be seen using a special light used by the police.

He was arrested on April 12 after passing on the laptop, and traces of the 'biosynthetic' spray were found on his face and hair.

Harris pleaded guilty to theft at West London Magistrates'Court on April 14.

Sergeant Damian Ash, from the borough's motor vehicle crime squad, said: "This emphasises Hammersmith and Fulham's willingness to invest in modern technology to combat vehicle crime.

"It sends a clear message if you break into cars or buy stolen property in Hammersmith and Fulham you're a likely to be caught."

A man in his 40s remains on police bail in connection with the investigation.