Dudley Police Shine Spotlight On DNA Technology

FORENSIC marking product SelectaDNA will now be used in businesses and homes across the town of Dudley in the West Midlands to prevent victims of burglary being repeatedly targeted.

As part of Operation Spotlight, Dudley Police along with Safe and Sound (Dudley’s community safety partnership), is extending its use of SelectaDNA to mark property and entrances to premises where burglars may try to gain access.
 
This follows the successful deployment of SelectaDNA in the Kates Hill area of Dudley in 2009, where it was credited with helping to slash residential burglaries by 52%.
 
When applied to household or business items of value, SelectaDNA liquid dries clear and leaves a unique identifying code on surfaces, linking crooks to crime scenes and assisting in returning stolen property to owners.
 
Detective sergeant Mark Rushton, who is leading the initiative, said: “Burglary always rises at this time of year and we are keen to exploit every avenue that could help us solve this kind of crime, as well as helping to better support victims in their hour of need.
 
“SelectaDNA will be used where there is a known problem in a bid to prevent residents or businesses being targeted.”
Police officers will be encouraged to routinely search for SelectaDNA marked items when undertaking house searches and specialist lights to detect the DNA substance will be used when people suspected of burglary are taken into police custody.
 
DS Ruston added: "This approach should have a beneficial impact in helping to reassure vulnerable people and acting as a deterrent to would be offenders, whilst helping us with identification of recovered stolen property and prosecuting offenders.

"It is not only ideal for homes at risk but also such premises as churches and schools that are often vulnerable to burglary."