A further commitment to reduce the number of repeat burglaries across the Auckland region has resulted in Police and Auckland Council pooling resources to distribute 500 free SelectaDNA kits to a range of victims.
SelectaDNA kits enable people to mark and identify their valuable property using an invisible ultra-violet (UV) solution that includes a unique synthetic DNA code [see attached pic].
People mark their belonging, such as i-pads, TV or stereo, with liquid containing uniquely coded synthetic DNA and microdots that, once dry, is virtually invisible to the naked eye. Warning stickers alert would-be thieves that the property is protected.
Each SelectaDNA Kit is registered on a secure international database linking the owner to the property through the coding contained within the liquid. One kit can mark up to 50 items of property
Objects marked with SelectaDNA glow bright blue when placed under UV light, making it easier to identify and link a stolen item to where it was taken from, and in some cases, return the items.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers says the kits are being distributed at identified burglary 'hot-spots' across the three Auckland Police districts today.
"They will go to a range of residential urban victims of previous burglaries in Ranui and Onehunga and rural residents in Pukekohe, Waiuku and Tuakau.
"The kits are being supplied free of charge by Auckland Council through its Community Development and Safety team to try and ensure those who have been burgled in the past, use this simple technique to mark property and can identify any recovered goods in the event they are burgled again."
Letters from Police to selected recipients of the kits were sent out last week, advising residents of the campaigns.
There'll be obvious Police activity in the chosen neighbourhoods and Mr Chambers says burglars and thieves should get the message that Police, council and communities will continue to collaborate to combat crime.
Councillor George Wood says anyone who has been burgled will understand that feeling of powerlessness and feeling unsafe in their home.
"That's something council is committed to working with Police to change. These kits are just one tool but anything that supports residents to be and feel safe is well worth the investment."
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty/Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Media note:
There will be plenty of photo/filming/interview opportunities at any or all of the SelectaDNA distribution 'hubs'.
Mobile Police stations, caravans, 'Booze buses' and the Police tractor [see attached pic] will all be used at the various locations to raise the profile of the event on the day.
See also relevant Police Facebook pages for the three Police districts - Waitemata, Auckland City and Counties Manukau - www.facebook.com/
Contact Inspector Willi Fanene, Waitemata District, for details of the Ranui phase of the operation - ph 021 191 4198 or email william.fanene@police.govt.nz
Spokesperson - Inspector Willi Fanene
Contact Shelley Nahr, Counties/Manukau District for details of the Pukekohe phase - ph 021 595 562 or email shelley.nahr@police.govt.nz
Spokesperson - Inspector Richard Wilkie
Contact Noreen Hegarty, Auckland City District for details of the Onehunga phase - ph 0274 951 589 or email noreen.hegarty@police.govt.nz
Spokesperson - Senior Sergeant Jason Edwards
Auckland Council - contact Lisah Henry, senior specialist publicity, ph 021 574 889.
Imagery and instruction video relating to the application of SelectaDNA - available from the company - www.selectadna.co.nz
Spokesperson - David Morrissey - ph 021 902 775
