Locals back DNA use to fight crime

AN AMBITIOUS plan to reduce Geelong’s burglary rate by 10 per cent has the support of Norlane locals determined to prevent crime in their suburb.

More than 500 DNA kits have been distributed to Norlane homes so residents can mark their items with a unique DNA that will help police return recovered stolen goods to their owners.

While police have worked hard to curb the city’s theft rate Police Minister Lisa Neville said about five houses in the region were burgled per day.

Resident Terri Hardy’s first encounter with crime came earlier this year when the driver of a stolen car smashed into the back of her vehicle.

This experience made the single mother determined to do her best to prevent crime.

“It showed how important it is for us to be able to help police be proactive when it comes to crime, to be able to get in front of it,” Ms Hardy said.

Neighbour, Ann Hill said the program gave her confidence police would be able to recover stolen items and hopefully track offenders.

“This system has been around for a long time in the United States and the United Kingdom and the statistics show it works,” Ms Hill said.

Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the six-month trial was the first program to be completed by the newly formed crime prevention alliance.

“This pilot introduces new and very exciting technology called select DNA whereby we will be able to mark residents’ property with a DNA substance that will be specific to each address,” Assistant Commisioner Walsh said.

“We’re hoping that the delivery of the kits and the marking of peoples’ property will safeguard peoples’ possessions and also be a deterrent to potential thieves.”

Ms Neville said the pilot aimed to reduce the number of burglaries and the trauma caused to victims.

A similar London program led to a 93 per cent drop in residential burglaries while a New Zealand trial saw a 63 per cent decrease. If successful, the trial may be expanded to other parts of Geelong and the state.

“This system has been around for a long time in the United States and the United Kingdom and the statistics show it works.”