Torbay Police Issue DNA Warning To Burglars

OVER 450 homes in Torbay are benefiting from the latest crime prevention property-marking initiative which aims to reduce burglary and deter theft in the area.

The initiative is a joint project between Devon & Cornwall Constabulary and the Torbay Community Safety Team where selected residents are being given the opportunity to protect their personal property by using SelectaDNA, a unique DNA-coded product.

SelectaDNA is a forensic marking system which enables people to protect their valuables from theft. It can be used to easily mark personal items such as laptops, games consoles, iPods, mobile phones, jewellery, electronic equipment and SatNav systems. The product dries within a minute and is visible using an ultra-violet lamp. 

James Brown, sales director at Selectamark, which produces SelectaDNA, said: "If an item marked with SelectaDNA is stolen and then recovered by police, it can be identified and returned to its rightful owner. Most significantly though, it acts as a massive deterrent to thieves, as marked goods are extremely difficult to sell on, and if caught with them the thief is instantly linked to the crime."

Funded by Safer Communities, the DNA marking kits are being distributed to residents in selected areas by police local Neighbourhood Teams. Each kit contains a bottle of the SelectaDNA formula, deterrent warning stickers, instructions on how to apply the product and free registration onto a police-approved database. Street signs are also being erected to deter criminals from the area and warn them that all property is DNA marked, registered and traceable.

Louisa Aiton, Cabinet Member for Community said, “Torbay is a safe place to live but we cannot afford to be complacent. Through our partnership working we aim to drive crime down even further. This is an excellent initiative which I am sure will be extremely effective and help reduce burglaries in the bay, it not only aims to reduce crime but it increases the chance of thieves being caught and prosecuted.”

DI Thorne of Torbay’s Crime Investigation Team said: “This method of property marking has seen some excellent results in other parts of the country where burglary rates have dropped by as much as 85%. It is a very effective tool in helping to make communities safer which is why we are working alongside Safer Communities in allocating time and resources to introduce the technique to Torbay.” 

He added: “We want to help residents protect their properties. Our officers are going door-to-door explaining the scheme to residents and offering advice on how best to protect their homes. We are encouraging residents to use the deterrent stickers supplied with the kit on their front and back windows to indicate to potential thieves that their property is protected.

DI Thorne concluded: "One of the main advantages of using a marking product like SelectaDNA is that it is virtually impossible to remove traces of it and identification can be made from tiny specks the size of a pin head. This makes our job a lot easier. It acts as a deterrent to thieves in the first instance - but if items are stolen, it is much easier for us to catch the perpetrators."

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary are also encouraging residents to consider purchasing property-marking equipment from accredited companies such as Selectamark, which is supporting the police in the campaign.