Dudley Homes Branded With DNA

Traceable Liquids will be used across Dudley in the West Midlands over the coming months to prevent victims of burglary being repeatedly targeted.

Dudley Police are now visiting victims of crime and encouraging them to use SelectaDNA property marking kits to mark valuable items of household property.

SelectaDNA contains an individual DNA code, making it a perfect way of linking a burglar to the stolen items or targeted property. It can also help in reuniting victims with their goods if they are recovered.

Dudley's Community Safety Partnership ‘Safe and Sound’ has funded this latest DNA scheme, which will see properties across the borough forensically marked.

Meanwhile, Dudley Police's Offender Management team will be cracking down on known offenders.

Detective Sergeant Matt Morgan, who is leading the initiative, explained: "Burglary is a current priority for us and we are keen to exploit every avenue that could help us solve this kind of crime, as well as helping to better support victims in their hour of need.

"DNA property marking will be used where there is a known problem in a bid to prevent residents or businesses being targeted. This approach should have a beneficial impact, in helping to reassure vulnerable people and acting as a deterrent to would-be offenders, whilst helping us with identification of recovered stolen property and prosecuting offenders.

"It is not only ideal for homes at risk but also premises such as churches and schools that are often vulnerable to burglary."

Police officers will be encouraged to routinely search for items marked with SelectaDNA when undertaking house searches.

UV lights to detect the Traceable Liquid will be used when people suspected of burglary are taken into police custody to determine if they are linked to recently reported offences.

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: "It's vital we continue working together to tackle burglary. I would encourage borough residents to make every effort to mark their property, not only does it help deter burglars but when a burglary is committed, it helps the police reunite owners with their property.”