Digging Deep To Tackle Allotment Crime

ALLOTMENT holders in Hartlepool are digging deep to protect their gardens against theft and criminal damage following the launch of a crime prevention initiative using SelectaDNA.

Funded by the Safer Hartlepool Partnership and Hartlepool Council, Crime Prevention Officers are joining forces with allotment holders in the north of the town to help them use the DNA property marking kits to mark items such as lawnmowers, garden tools, hedge trimmers and power tools.

SelectaDNA is a clear liquid containing an ultraviolet tracer and an individual DNA code. It can be applied to any items of value in a matter of seconds and details of the code are then stored on a secure national database. If property is stolen and then recovered by Police, its owner can be easily traced via the DNA code.
 
The first allotments to implement the scheme are sites at Throston, Thornhill Gardens, Chester Road and St Nicholson's Field. Deterrent warning signs indicating that SelectaDNA coding is in use are being displayed.

The allotments were selected as the first to take part in the scheme after they were identified as suffering from problems with theft, burglary and criminal damage. Sheds had been broken into, tools stolen and livestock killed.
 
One allotment holder, Robert Ashley, said: "We have experienced a number of problems and are delighted that this new scheme is being launched. All the allotment holders have a good relationship with the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who patrol the sites and I am sure this scheme will prove a valuable asset."

There are plans for the scheme to eventually be rolled out across the whole of Hartlepool.

Crime Prevention Officer Steve Davies said: "The use of SelectaDNA on allotment sites will provide forensic evidence to help police tackle criminal activity. The DNA element of the product will irrefutably link any criminal to the scene and will provide police with the required evidence for a criminal conviction at court."