South Bucks Burglary Victims to Receive Forensic Property Marking Kits

From May 2011, burglary victims and their direct neighbours in South Bucks will receive a free SelectaDNA forensic property marking kit and accompanying signage for their road as part of an ongoing crackdown on repeatedly targeted roads in the District.

SelectaDNA is the most advanced forensic crime reduction system on the market. Items such as TVs, computers, SatNavs, MP3 players, bicycles and antiques can be instantly secured by applying SelectaDNA. Once dry SelectaDNA is completely invisible to the naked eye, but each kit contains a unique DNA code which glows under UV light.

The Police search for traces of SelectaDNA, which when found allows them to quickly link stolen goods with a crime scene and with an offender. Also suspects entering custody suites across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, will have their persons and clothing routinely scanned for any traces of the product.

Nathan March, Community Safety Manager for South Bucks says “When this property marking project was run last year in repeatedly targeted roads across the District there was an 87 per cent decrease in burglary in these locations, compared to the twelve months prior to distribution.

It is evident that this joint initiative with Thames Valley Police is producing positive results and we hope that this will deter criminals and help put residents minds at ease.”

Chief Inspector Kate Ford, LPA Commander for South Bucks says, “We are aiming to reduce burglary by a further 5% this year. Our warning signs, posters and labels, telling criminals to stay away, are hugely effective because of the ‘DNA Fear Factor’. Our DNA evidence deters criminals and provides the evidential chain Police Officers require to be more effective in their jobs.”

Thames Valley Police is always interested in information about criminals so, if you see something suspicious or suspect someone of committing burglary or other crime, please do not hesitate to contact them on 0845 8 505 505. If you have information but don't want to speak to police, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.