A scheme aimed at helping to reduce burglary and the fear of crime is underway in Anglesey and Gwynedd.
North Wales Police have recently been awarded £11,000 of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government to purchase specialised property marking kits, which will be provided to victims of crime over 65-years-old.
‘SelectaDNA’ is a water-based adhesive containing a unique DNA code, an ultra violet tracer and a series of microdots which can easily be applied to electronic goods, jewellery and any other valuable items. The kits, after application, are then registered to the address.
PC Leigh Anderson from the Western Community Safety Team explained: “These kits will be offered to victims of crime who are aged 65 and over.
“SelectaDNA can be implemented by local neighbourhood police staff as part of the reassurance package provided by local policing teams that are aimed at reducing the fear of crime, increasing the confidence of the public and assist with bringing perpetrators to justice.”
Kits have already been distributed to victims in the Caernarfon area. PCSO Janice Kane from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I’ve had very positive feedback from victims of crime regarding the new kit.
“I’ve explained to them how the kit works and how their details will be stored, and they have been very enthusiastic about the whole idea. This is a remarkable piece of kit in the fight against crime and the residents have been impressed with the whole process.”
PC Anderson added: “The main purpose of marking your property is to make it less attractive to potential thieves, as they know that if they are caught in possession of a marked item by the police, they can quickly establish it is stolen property.
“By marking property it greatly enhances the chance of you being re-united with the item which may have sentimental value to you. Some things like jewellery and gifts can never be replaced so it is far better to deter a theft or burglary happening in the first place.”
The scheme is fully supported by both Anglesey and Gwynedd Community Safety Partnerships.
Further details regarding SelectaDNA can be obtained via their website – www.selectadna.co.uk
