NEW computer and electronic equipment in EVERY primary and secondary school in Oxfordshire is being forensically marked with SelectaDNA after the introduction of a wide-reaching crime prevention initiative by Oxfordshire County Council.
The scheme, which began in September, is being funded by the Council together with their insurers, and is being supported by Thames Valley Police.
All 300 schools in Oxfordshire have been sent SelectaDNA kits and are busy marking any new ICT equipment they buy such as laptops and PCs, as well as expensive interactive whiteboards.
Stephen Foster, Insurance Officer at Oxfordshire County Council said: “Some time ago, we identified a need to protect schools across the county from the potential risk of ICT equipment theft.
“We were aware that some schools had already been targeted, so we were looking for something that would not only stop theft happening – but hopefully stop thieves even attempting theft in the first place.”
He added: “SelectaDNA was chosen because it has the dual purpose of preventing theft as well as being an effective deterrent.”
SelectaDNA is already in use in many schools throughout the UK. It comes in a kit containing a bottle of DNA solution that can be easily applied to any item of value. The unique DNA code in the solution links each item to the individual school. It doesn't damage the marked property in any way.
Police forces across the UK routinely scan criminals and suspected stolen property for traces of SelectaDNA, so criminals know about it and fear its power to link them to the scene of a crime. As a result, SelectaDNA has a 100% conviction rate.
The deterrent aspect of SelectaDNA plays a major part in any marking scheme and stickers warning thieves that an item is marked are supplied with every kit. These can be displayed on classroom windows and doors. High visibility deterrent signs can also be supplied that can be attached to school gates and exterior walls.
Stephen Foster said the scheme is being very well-received. “Several schools have come back to us saying that they have been marking so many items that they have already used their SelectaDNA kits up and they want more!”
Commercial SelectaDNA kits suitable for schools can mark 100, 500 or 1,000 items and can be purchased online at www.selectadna.co.uk
For further information and images contact: Jessica Farrugia, Senior Marketing Manager for Selectamark.
Phone: +44(0)1689 487829
Email:
[email protected]
Twitter: @selectadna
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