8 May 2010

DNA marker trial cuts burglaries

8:32 pm on 8 May 2010

Counties Manukau Police say a six-month trial using a forensic property marker has reduced burglaries in the suburb of Randwick Park by 61%.

A thousand houses, schools, and businesses in the area were involved in the pilot scheme, which was launched last September.

Residents received instructions on how to apply the DNA solution to their property, which if stolen, glows blue under ultra-violet light.

Police say burglary rates have remained low in the area since the end of the trial.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says the drop in burglaries is a great boost for a community that has been plagued by crime.

He says he would like to see the initiative widened further than South Auckland and believes burglary rates across the country could be reduced.