Police in Waikato have launched a DNA marking system for local schools in an attempt to reduce burglaries and thefts of high-tech equipment.
The schools will be issued with forensic marking kits containing a bottle of DNA solution that will link items back to a particular school.
Markings unique to each school will be detectable by ultra-violet light.
Assistant Commissioner Allan Boreham says schools are being targeted more because of the increasing amount of electronic equipment they have.
Each time property is stolen from a school, he says, it puts more pressure on funding and leaves less money for educating children.
Mr Boreham says burglaries fell by 61% last year when 1000 homes, schools and businesses in Manurewa trialled the kits.
The principal of Berkely Normal Middle School, John Crone, says that the thefts are becoming more and more frustrating for schools and that any scheme to deter thieves is worth trying.
