Police chiefs in Ontario have issued a rare product endorsement for a new pen-like tool that leaves an invisible, but traceable mark on personal property they hope will make it discouragingly difficult for thieves to peddle stolen goods.

Dubbed the "Trace" pen, the anti-theft device leaves an ink mark which can only be seen using a black light. Beyond simply marking property, the ink contains tiny plastic discs that are etched with a unique pin number.

"It's like DNA for your property," Peel Regional Police Const. Cameel Chambers told CTV's Canada AM Tuesday morning.

To retrieve the pin numbers, police have access to special cameras that are capable of reading the identification codes.

Chambers, whose police chief is head of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) which is endorsing the Trace pen, said, "It's basically another crime prevention tool that homeowners can now use."

The group is hoping that the new tool will deter robbers from robbing homes and then selling their stolen goods at pawn shops.

OACP said it is encouraging pawn shop owners across Canada to equip their stores with black lights so that they can easily identify Trace pen-marked items.

"From the police side of it, (the pen) is another tool we can use to track down stolen property and return it to the owner," Chambers said.

Last year, more than one million incidents of property crime were reported to police in Canada – the majority which were break-and-enters.

Homeowners who purchase a Trace pen can mark up to 50 items. Once the items are marked, individuals create an account on the Trace website. Photos of the items can also be uploaded to the website.

The Trace pen can be purchased at Home Hardware stores across Canada or online. It retails for $39.95. The pen also comes with a sticker which can be affixed on the homeowner's door to notify would-be thieves that property in the household has been marked with a Trace pen.