Burglary victims given DNA kits to track property

August 19, 2015

Burglary victims given DNA kits to track property

Initiatives like this can actually prevent the crime from happening, said Senior Sergeant Edwards. Photo: Emma Russell

Police hope to see a reduction in Auckland property crime after the distribution of 500 free DNA kits to repeat-burglary victims.

Auckland Council funded the purchase of 500 SelectaDNA kits containing an invisible solution to coat valuables, as well as stickers to label each item as protected.

The solution contains uniquely coded synthetic DNA and microdots that glow bright blue under UV light, allowing police to identify stolen items if recovered.

Each SelectaDNA is registered on a secure international database linking the owner to the property through coding contained in the solution.

Senior Sergeant Jason Edwards said after looking at a year’s worth of data, police pinpointed Ranui, Onehunga and rural residences in Pukekohe, Waiuku and Tuakau as burglary ‘hot-spots’.

Residents who had been repeatedly burgled in those three areas were delivered the kits, which are worth $50 each, by police officers to mark their property.

Senior Sergeant Edwards, who distributed kits to Onehunga victims yesterday, said property crime for Auckland is a problem, and prominent in high-density housing areas.

“Statistically it is one of the highest recorded rates for us so we take it really seriously,” said Senior Sergeant Edwards.

“Initiatives like this, where we can actually prevent the crime from happening, are really important to us,” he said.

Burglary victim Claire Peterson of Western Springs has been burgled twice, with her laptop and other valuables stolen each time.

Ms Peterson, who is a social worker, said it’s good because at the moment it feels like the police can’t do anything and burglars get away scot-free.

“It would be a good peace of mind but also a bit of deterrent for the burglars too,” she said.

Created in the United Kingdom, the DNA kits were first trialled in New Zealand in 2010.

A total of 1000 kits were distributed to homes, schools and businesses in Randall Park, Manurewa, and Senior Sergeant Edwards said there was subsequently a 61 per cent decrease in burglaries in the suburb.

Auckland City Councillor George Wood said anyone who has been burgled would understand feeling powerlessness and unsafe in their home.

“That’s something council is committed to working with police to change,” Mr Wood said in a statement.

“These kits are just one tool but anything that supports residents to be and feel safe is well worth the investment,” he said.

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