DNA property marking kits to deter burglars handed to Coventry residents in police crackdown

Residents of streets in Coventry, Solihull and the West Midlands are to get DNA property marking kits from police under a state-of-the-art crackdown on burglars



The scheme – which has identified burglary hotspots – involves ‘home coding kits’ with a DNA solution – which can be dabbed on valuable items to deter thieves, help police recover any stolen items and link offenders to break-ins.

New signs will be displayed, including pavement artwork, window and door stickers warning potential criminals that properties are protected by the marking technology.

It’s part of a £40,000 scheme called Track and Trace.

Chief inspector Anthony Bennett, who is leading scheme, said: “Our officers will knock doors on every house in the chosen streets, offer residents advice to keep homes and valuables safe – and provide a free forensic property marking kit.

“Trials have proven that using forensic marking, together with the warning signs, can have a significant impact on burglary rates – in fact, it can reduce the chance of being targeted by 85 per cent.”

Streets have been selected from every Neighbourhood Police Unit in the region, including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull and Coventry.

And West Midlands Police hopes to secure additional funding – including some from local authorities – to expand the crime prevention push into other communities.

Police crime prevention manager, Mark Silvester, described the DNA kit as a “genuine deterrent” to criminals.

He added: “Just one small dot of the DNA solution on a phone or tablet is all that’s needed; it’s an invisible, indelible mark and lasts for at least five years outdoors but much longer on items kept inside.

“It’s visible under a UV light and is unique so it tells us exactly where the product was stolen from.

“It acts as a genuine deterrent for offenders and for people who offer a market for stolen products.”

Anyone wanting DNA marking solution can buy a kit at a 50 per cent discounted rate by signing up to the West Midlands Police community messaging service ‘WMNow’.

Roads to benefit in the Coventry area:

Northumberland Road, Melville Road, Minster Road, Waverley Road, Yewdale Crescent, Widdecombe Close, West Broomfield Road, West Kensington Road and West Stoneleigh Avenue.