VIDEO: Police launch ‘DNA’ scheme to combat jewellery burglaries
Asian community leaders have backed a crime-fighting initiative which police hope could reduce burglaries by between 85 and 100 per cent.
Crawley police is introducing ‘Selecta DNA’, a sophisticated technology which allows people to mark their valuables with a forensic code.
The initiative follows a spate of more than 50 burglaries by criminal gangs targeting gold jewellery kept in Asian households.
Arif Syed, of Broadfield Mosque, said: “We are 100 per cent behind this scheme and commend the police for a marvellous effort which I think will go a long way to deter these very unpleasant incidents.”
Crawley Police wants to hand out 1,200 Selecta DNA packs, which are free to residents but cost the district force £14,500 altogether. If recovered the ultraviolet DNA code on the stolen items allow it to be linked back to its owner. Warning notices about the technology will deter would-be burglars from targeting Crawley homes.
Crawley commander Chief Inspector Justina Beeken said the product had achieved an 85 per cent drop in burglaries in Greenwich and Greater Manchester.
CI Beeken said: “I take this very very seriously and want to do everything I can to cut down on this type of crime. I am convinced that by using these kits we will make Crawley a hostile environment for thieves thinking about targeting our town.”
Ranjit Bedi, of the Gossops Green Sikh Community Centre, said: “It’s a very good idea, I think it will help allay fears about burglaries. It’s very distressing when someone invades your privacy. In the past we never locked our doors but now you have to lock everything.”
Broadfield mosque secretary Maheboob Ganche said: “At least they are doing something. When you go to sleep it is always on your mind.”
Police want to distribute the kits at surgeries in community and religious centres. Family groups can share kit, which have unique codes and can mark up to 50 items. One representative is required to give personal details to be stored by the manufacturers.
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Weather for Crawley
Sunday 19 May 2013
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