Operation Shield Extends To Protect Schools & Rural Homes

COMMUNITIES are clamouring to be part of Operation Shield with schools and rural homes now taking up the call to help Cheshire Police fend off criminals by protecting their valuable property with SelectaDNA.

SelectaDNA is a forensic liquid containing DNA unique to each property. It can be used to mark belongings, allowing them to be returned to the owner no matter where they are recovered from.

The first phase of Operation Shield launched in March 2015 with homes and businesses being protected by SelectaDNA. That month saw the lowest figures for burglary in 25 years across Cheshire.  

The second phase of the operation kicked off on 14th September, expanding to include schools and rural homes.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “Putting a protective shield around homes and businesses and making life tough for the criminal is key to stopping those who believe they are entitled to help themselves to other people’s property. My message to these offenders is quite clear, you need to think about your actions as in Cheshire there is no easy option.”

He continued: “Operation Shield is not just about placing a protective shield around our homes and places of work, it is also about making its mark on those who profit from these crimes. It is vital for us to be able to establish who owns what, and when you have forensic property marking in place, it is easy for us to establish the rightful owners of that property.

“Criminals who make their living from breaking into homes and business and stealing other people’s possessions need to know that across Cheshire, Operation Shield will provide officers with essential evidence to bring you to justice.

Everyone arrested in Cheshire is being screened under a special ultra violet light in custody. If they have committed a crime in an Operation Shield area, they will have markings on their hair, skin and clothes, and the unique DNA will link them directly to the individual crime scene. More than 3,000 offenders have been screened for SelectaDNA so far.

ACC Roberts added: “We have had very positive feedback about how phase one has worked and those who are part of our protective shield have told us they feel less fearful of becoming a victim of crime.”