DNA Crackdown On Burglars

Surrey Police is running a series of schemes specifically designed to target residential burglary using the innovative property marking solution SelectaDNA.

After being piloted in Woking, 600 homeowners in Guildford, Elmbridge, and Epsom and Ewell, will now be given the opportunity to take advantage of a free SelectaDNA property marking kit.

SelectaDNA is a uniquely coded non-toxic liquid which can be easily painted on to items of value such as laptops, TVs, games consoles and jewellery.

The liquid is clear but shows up under UV light. If a marked item is stolen and recovered by police it can be traced back to the owner via the specific DNA code.

Marked property will be registered onto a secure national database allowing it to be traced back to the owner wherever it is recovered.

Jamie Robinson, Force Crime Reduction Advisor, said: "These projects are most effective when local people are kept well-informed and have been encouraged to do something about crime in their area.

"SelectaDNA's main strength is its deterrent value. The fear factor comes into play as burglars are aware that DNA property marking is helping police to convict criminals."

Many anti-burglary schemes across the UK have already been launched using SelectaDNA and in some areas it has been proven that by marking belongings and displaying warning stickers, burglaries can be reduced by up to 85%.

(PR/BMcC)