Government funds SelectaDNA property marking kits for Thurrock Schools

02 March 2010

Schools across the Thurrock area of Essex are being offered SelectaDNA property marking kits to stop thieves stealing valuable educational equipment. The scheme is being funded by government office GO East and the Essex Police Authority.

Thurrock Schools Liaison Officer PC Neil Brand is offering the product to all schools in the district, and will visit each one that signs up to the scheme to show them how to use the kit.

SelectaDNA is an advanced forensic crime reduction system which links criminals to crime scenes and provides an unbreakable chain of evidence in a court of law. The technology is being used to protect homes, businesses, schools and retail outlets throughout the UK.

For school use, the liquid can be applied to valuable equipment such as computers, laptops, projectors, printers and whiteboards. The liquid contains a unique DNA code linked to the school’s address. This means that if an item is stolen and later found by police it can be traced directly back to the crime scene, not only allowing the property to be returned to the school, but increasing the chance of the thief being convicted.

The crime-fighting kits also include window stickers and signs that schools can display to warn potential thieves that the property is secured with SelectaDNA.

PC Brand said: “So far we have had a few schools take up our offer, but we want every school to take advantage of this, as it is a proven deterrent for burglars. nWhen a school has educational equipment such as laptops stolen, it really can have a negative effect on pupils’ learning experiences, and this is a great way to stop that from happening.

“No burglar wants to be caught with DNA-coded property, so with this system and correct signage, school property will be less attractive to potential thieves.”