Two residential streets in south-west London have seen zero burglaries, after the introduction of SelectaDNA forensic marking in a police crime reduction initiative six months ago….
According to figures supplied by Streatham Police, Tooting Bec Gardens and Ambleside Avenue had previously been targeted by criminals over a seven-month period (October 2010 to May 2011) with a total of 16 burglaries reported. However, after officers from Streatham Police helped residents to mark items of value at their property, there has not been a single burglary (from May 2011 to November 2011) on these two streets.
When police recover stolen property, the unique SelectaDNA markings can help them to return the items to the rightful owner, and also help police achieve better success rates in convictions against burglars. Signage was erected on the streets to deter thieves and residents also put up window and door stickers indicating that SelectaDNA was in use.
Inspector Nick Fallowfield of Streatham Police said: โรรบTwo roads in Streatham were identified to receive SelectaDNA forensic property marking kits as part of my strategy to reduce burglaries. These two roads had 16 burglaries in the six months prior to this trial and since then, they have not had one burglary. This can be attributed to the SelectaDNA kits allied with accompanying street signage and most importantly the implementation of key crime prevention advice, which officers provided during the pilot.โรรน
Inspector Fallowfield concluded: โรรบSurrounding streets continue to suffer from burglaries so it shows that as a crime prevention tactic SelectaDNA does work if implemented correctly. The residents of Tooting Bec Gardens and Ambleside Avenue are very grateful and feel safer in their homes."
