A CRIME reduction scheme in north Manchester using SelectaDNA forensic property marking has been hugely successful and cut burglary by an impressive 83%.
The scheme, which involves approximately 1,000 homes and a primary school on The Fairway estate, New Moston, and surrounding areas, has achieved the aims set out by Greater Manchester Police (in partnership with Manchester City Council) at the time of its launch in March 2010. Not only has the scheme significantly reduced burglary, it has also increased public confidence in local police and brought the community closer together.
Inspector Gareth Parkin of Greater Manchester Police, who is leading the campaign, said: “We are very pleased with the latest results of the scheme. An 83% reduction in burglary using SelectaDNA has more than exceeded expectations on The Fairway.”
He continued: “Burglary and anti-social behaviour are problems that we were keen to address, but this has been more difficult due to the transient nature of some of the residents living there. We need to make sure we have a good burglary reduction system in place.”
SelectaDNA is a property marking system that has a unique DNA code registered to each home. The system allows anything that is stolen during a break-in and later recovered to be traced back to its owner. It will also link a burglar back to the same crime scene, increasing the chances of a successful conviction in court.
Over the past six months, the Moston and Harpurhey Neighbourhood Policing Team has been out delivering the DNA kits to the streets identified for the project, and they have been helping residents apply SelectaDNA to valuables such as TVs, laptops, games consoles and other electronic equipment.
Inspector Parkin said: “Local residents have welcomed the scheme as a way of improving the area they live in. The fact that our officers have been more visible on the streets as they go door-to-door offering crime prevention advice, as well as giving tips on how to mark valuable items of property, has helped residents get to know their local neighbourhood team and has instilled a sense of confidence.”
Residents have been given high visibility window stickers to indicate that SelectaDNA is protecting their homes; and in an innovative move to deter burglars from the area, a large billboard advert publicising the scheme has been prominently placed.
New Moston benefits from an active HomeWatch group, which meets regularly with local police to discuss and promote crime prevention measures to residents, including the highly effective SelectaDNA scheme.
Back to 2010 News Stories
Share
