The largest schools project to date under the Operation SNAP banner launched today with the introduction of SelectaDNA Forensic Property Marking Kits into 275 schools across the Waikato Plolicing District. Driven through Operation SNAP partners SelectaDNA, Crimestoppers and the Ministry of Education, and funded by the BNZ, the project looks to reduce burglary rates across the region. "We saw a real opportunity to support schools," said Linda Bendikson from the Ministry of Education. "High speed broadband going into schools next year will see investment in more high tech equipment." Desirable items like this are a known target for opportunistic thieves. Students of Berkley Normal Middle School in Hamilton are more than aware of the impact a burglary makes on their school community. Student Ella May said "there has been 10 break ins to our school over the last 3 months where laptops and a TV has been taken." "The cost of break ins is huge," said fellow student Erin Gatenby, "this will help protect our property." "Over the 2009/10 Fiscal Year there were 207 Waikato schools or education providers burgles," says Assistant Commissioner Alan Boreham, former District Commander of the Waikato. Principal John Crone said of the impacts, "it's not only the loss of property but also the intrusion in our lives." The SelectaDNA kits allow for about 100 items of property to have forensic markings applied. Police can then detect the markings with the use of ultra violet light. Each kit contains a bottle of DNA solution that is easily applied to any item of value. The unique DNA code in the solution will link each item to the individual school without damaging the marked property in any way. Participating schools are being provided with highly visible fence signs and stickers. "The DNA marking gives us the power to link offenders to the scene of a crime and adds to the strength of evidence, ultimately leading to a successful conviction," says Assistant Commissioner Boreham. "We want to reduce offending and make people feel safer." A similar project has run in the Rotorua District with a 45 percent reduction in burglary rates to date in schools. SelectaDNA kits are available nationwide at BNZ Stores. | 
