New DNA will pave the way
AN INNOVATIVE pilot program that saw residents mark their valuable possessions with traceable synthetic DNA has paved the way for partnerships between police and community groups, officers say.
Under the six-month program carried out by the state’s safety alliance, the synthetic DNA and ultraviolet torches were delivered to 1000 homes in Norlane and Whittlesea.
The 2017-18 program saw residents mark their possessions with the DNA, which can then be detected by UV lamps.
Once detected on stolen items, the material can be tested to reveal a unique code, and thereby the registered owner.
Results of the trial evaluated by Federation University revealed: FIVE hundred Norlane residents participated; PARTICIPANTS marked up to 20 items with the DNA: THERE were 15 residential burglaries in the trial area during the program: and NO stolen items were recovered through liquid DNA.
Western region acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Naylor admitted it was disappointing the program had not helped police return property to victims or nab offenders, but said the pilot could still be considered a success.
“This is new technology being used internationally. It hadn't been looked at in Australia,” he said.
Mr Naylor said while the program would not be rolled out statewide by Victoria Police, the safety alliance — made up of police, Federation University, Crime Stoppers, the RACV and Neighbourhood Watch — was investigating how the technology could be further used by the community to assist the police.
During the trial period residential burglaries fell dramatically. Police said this was not directly connected to the pilot but instead reflected a statewide downward trend following a spike a few years ago.
Data released last year showed Greater Geelong’s burglary and break-and-enter offences plunged 30 per cent over the past 12 months to the lowest rate in a decade.