The lowest figures for domestic burglary in Cheshire in 25 years have been recorded since the launch of Cheshire Constabulary’s Operation Shield using a forensic marking product.
Operation Shield is an anti-burglary operation protecting property and businesses across the county with DNA forensic marking. Since the campaign started in March, domestic burglaries have fallen by 41pc in seven weeks, compared to 2010-14 figures.
SelectaDNA is a forensic liquid containing a unique DNA code which is traceable to each individual property. It can be used to mark belongings, allowing them to be returned to the owner no matter where they are recovered from.
James Brown, Managing Director of Selectamark, which produces the SelectaDNA product said: “We are delighted that SelectaDNA has helped make Operation Shield a success in such a short space of time and has achieved a 25 year low for domestic burglaries. A 41pc reduction in burglary in just seven weeks is a fantastic result and is reward for all the hard work that officers from Cheshire Police have been putting in to implement the scheme.
“It also shows how effective the ‘DNA fear factor’ is. Criminals know about SelectaDNA and fear that they will get caught by police if they are in possession of marked goods. These excellent results show that burglars are aware that the system is in place and are staying away from homes that are using SelectaDNA to protect valuable goods.”
Cheshire Police have also been provided with kits for businesses and retailers which use SelectaDNA Spray to protect their premises from robbery. The spray is activated when an intruder breaks into premises and emits a clear DNA-coded mist which cannot be rubbed off and sits on skin and clothing for weeks.
Every person arrested in Cheshire is being screened by police under ultra violet light in custody. If they have committed a crime in a Shield area, they will be marked, and the unique DNA will link them to the individual crime scene.
DI Peter Merrill, who was project lead on Operation Shield, added: “Cheshire Constabulary harnessed a close working relationship with Selectamark during Operation Shield, which included the distribution of over 2,500 SelectaDNA home marking kits in areas where the offence of burglary is more prevalent. The operation commenced on March 3, 2015 and I have no doubt, activity undertaken distributing the kits, supported by a carefully planned communication strategy, significantly contributed to Cheshire recording the lowest number of burglaries for the month of March in 25 years.”
Visit www.selectadna.co.uk.
