In Surrey, the Waverley Safer Neighbourhood team is launching its latest weapon in a battle against the theft of York stone in the borough following the introduction of a DNA product which has helped cut the quantity of lead thefts.
Surrey Police and its Safer Waverley partners have now bought a supply of weatherproof DNA based glue which is to be used to mark valuable stone or similar materials. The glue when applied does not cause discolouration and has a unique identity code which can be seen under ultra violet light. Officers will then be checking with dealers in a bid to trace any marked stone.
Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Dann explained: “The theft of York stone and garden ornaments continues to be a problem in Waverley. These items are often of high value but once stolen are very difficult for police to identify conclusively. The use of modern DNA products allows an owner to mark their property making it unique and when officers recover property they can then restore it to the owner along with proof that it was stolen to the satisfaction of the courts. I would urge anyone with high value property which is might be targeted to consider buying these products in an effort to secure them.”
Waverley Crime Reduction Advisor John Robini is on hand to provide advice to local residents and businesses on property marking. He is hoping the latest initiative to stamp out stone thefts will follow the reduction of lead thefts in Waverley after owners of public buildings including churches were offered DNA grease to prevent lead being stolen.
He said: “There was an ongoing series of lead thefts in recent months and by encouraging the use of DNA grease as a deterrent alongside warning signs there has been a fall off in this type of offence. I am hoping with the introduction of this latest DNA glue together with similar warning signs there will be a comparable reduction in the theft of stone goods.
“The expectation of the scheme is to gain evidence, arrest offenders and reduce the amount of crime. I would urge anyone who has any information which could help Surrey Police to identify these thieves or where stolen goods are going to contact officers on 0845 125 2222 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously and free on 0800 555 111.”
