DNA trial to combat thieves

THE rollout of a groundbreaking crime-busting trial that will see synthetic DNA kits given to residents of hundreds of Norlane homes has begun.

Protect Prevent project officer Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie said officers were urging residents to mark their valuables with an invisible unique liquid.

If a marked item is stolen and found police will be able to use an ultraviolet lamp to inspect the DNA and link the item back to its registered owner.

Bold orange signs, warning of the trial, have been installed in the pilot area that spans a number of Norlane streets marred by theft.

“We have been delivering in excess of 500 kits to residents (in Norlane) for free. (This trial) will act as a deterrent and provide important information to police,” Senior Sergeant Mc- Kenzie said. Over the weekend police made contact with in excess of 300 residents about the program and had a 99 per cent uptake rate.

“Kids were marking their skateboards and bikes, there was a lot of engagement from not just adult residents but families as well so we were thrilled with the response,” Sen Sgt McKenzie said.

Senior Sergeant McKenzie said the program, which is being rolled out in Geelong and Whittlesea, had been successful in the UK.

If the trial is successful the initiative could be expanded to other high-theft locations.