New-Build and Void Properties Protected with DNA

 
RESIDENTS on a new-build estate in south-east London are protecting their personal possessions from burglary by the use of SelectaDNA property marking.

The DNA marking kits are being offered to people moving into new apartments at Kidbrooke Village, by officers from Eltham Safer Neighbourhood Team, part of Greenwich Borough Police.

SelectaDNA comes in a kit containing a bottle of DNA solution that can be easily applied to any items of value. The unique DNA code in the solution links each item to an individual address, meaning that if an item is stolen and later found by police it can be traced directly back to the owner.

PC Richard Greef, who has been going door-to-door at Kidbrooke Village offering the kits to residents and demonstrating how they work, says the scheme is being introduced as a deterrent to burglary.
He said: “I have used SelectaDNA before in a previous crime prevention scheme and was impressed with how effective it was as a deterrent. Residents are marking valuable personal possessions such as TVs, phones, laptops and lawnmowers.”

The deterrent window stickers supplied with each kit are an important part of the marking process and they have been known to deter 8 out of 10 break-ins.

PC Greef said: “We are offering the kits to residents with the proviso that they use the window stickers. Neighbours will ask each other about SelectaDNA and the word will spread around the estate.”
 
Kidbrooke Village is a major housing development that will take 20 years to complete and will eventually house more than 4,000 residents. The estate is being built to house former residents of the nearby Ferrier Estate, which is set to be demolished.

SelectaDNA Grease Protects Void Properties From Metal Theft
 
The Ferrier Estate is currently unoccupied and the site is being guarded from metal theft by the use of another forensic marking product called SelectaDNA Grease, which can be painted onto lead roofs and copper piping.
The grease transfers to hands and clothing if someone attempts to steal the marked metal, and the invisible forensic markers in the grease show up under UV light and can link a thief back to the scene of the crime.