Police launch DNA marking scheme to deter burglars
SOUTH Wales police force has launched an ambitious DNA property-marking scheme to beat the burglars in one part of a South Wales town.
Up to 3,500 residents living in Merthyr Tydfil are being given property-marking kits as part of a crackdown on criminals.
The scheme which aims to reduce property-related crime involves the use of a state-of-the-art DNA property-marking solution.
It is hoped that it will deter criminals, help police recover stolen property and also help detect crimes by linking offenders to break-ins. Burglaries have reduced significantly in some parts of the UK where similar schemes have been undertaken.
Communities and partnerships inspector Mike Rudall said: “This is an ambitious project and I really hope residents take us up on this opportunity.
“While the chances of being a victim of a burglary are still low, annual crime figures indicate that for a variety of reasons, more densely populated town centre areas are more susceptible to this type of crime.
“We believe the scheme will help to reduce burglaries in the area - research indicates we can expect reductions in burglary from anything between 10%-50%.”
Police officers, PCSOs and volunteers will be delivering the special packs to residents in the coming weeks.
Leaflets explaining the initiative have been delivered to residents living in the first delivery zone within the Merthyr Town ward and the DNA kits will follow shortly after. Plans are in place for everybody within the Merthyr Town ward to receive their kits over the next few months.
The DNA property-marking packs contain detailed instructions, a swabbing pen, and the DNA solution itself, which is what links property back to their owners. Each household will be able to mark up to 50 items of property.
Signage, including pavement art, lamppost, window and door stickers will warn potential criminals that properties are protected by the marking technology.
The campaign is being funded by money from the UK Government’s Safer Streets Fund.