Op Meteor Makes Stolen Goods Too Hot To Handle

A crackdown to prevent burglaries and encourage people to protect their homes has been relaunched by Essex Police after a successful first run.

For added protection, local business owners are also being offered the chance to purchase SelectaDNA intruder sprays. These sprays are for commercial use and can be fitted to doorways, exit points and windows, and cover intruders with a forensically detectable liquid which shows up on suspects when they are arrested. 

Chief Superintendent Ewen Wilson, Essex Police’s lead for burglary, said: “Our previous operational activity was a success and resulted in a significant decrease in burglary. This is testament to the fact that property marking, which is such a simple thing to do, can make a difference to our communities and make residents feel safer.”

Code-named Operation Meteor, the crackdown encourages people to mark their valuables to make them less attractive to thieves which in turn reduces burglary. In June 2019, a property marking campaign, which included the use of SelectaDNA to encourage residents to protect their belongings, resulted in a 26% decrease in burglary across Essex. Property marking is a proven deterrent to thieves, and it makes it harder for criminals to sell on stolen goods.

The use of property marking products significantly increases the chance of convicting a suspect, with SelectaDNA having a 100% conviction rate. A statement from Essex Police said: “As part of the operation, every item taken to second-hand shops will be checked for property marking and each suspect in custody will be scanned for traces of forensic marking liquids.”