Western Bay of Plenty principals are applauding the launch of a new forensic tool they now have at their disposal to stop burglary at their schools.
Selecta DNA, a synthetically made marker kit, was jointly launched today at Greenpark School by Western Bay of Plenty police, the Ministry of Education, Bank of New Zealand and the Selecta DNA company.
Representatives from the police, BNZ, Western Bay of Plenty schools, the Ministry of Education and Selecta DNA were at the forensic kit launch on Thursday.
The launch is part of the police Operation SNAP – Serial Number Action Partnership.
Each kit contains a special solution that can be placed on property, providing an invisible DNA code unique to the property owner.
It is designed to easily prove a person is in possession of stolen property.
Signage placed around schools is also part of the kit – a factor which police say acts as a strong burglary deterrent.
The forensic kits, worth about $150 each, will be given to every school in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Once the kits are rolled out across the Bay of Plenty, 191 schools will be using the tool.
Selecta DNA director David Morrissey says the kits were introduced to 40 Rotorua schools in 2009 and within six months, principals were reporting a 45 per cent drop in burglary.
Burglaries in the Manurewa suburb of Randwick Park dropped by 61.8 per cent after 1000 homes, schools and businesses were given Selecta DNA.
Acting Western Bay of Plenty area commander, Inspector Karl Wright St-Clair, says burglars target schools for electronic equipment, musical instruments and sport equipment.
“Unfortunately by their very nature, schools are a very vulnerable target in our community.
“They are isolated locations at night, on weekends and during the holidays.”
Greenpark School principal Graeme Lind says Selecta DNA will help deter “low life” criminals who violate schools.
FACT FILE
The Bay of Plenty is the fourth area to recieve free SelectaDNA kits it all the regions schools following Rotorua, Waikato and Waitakere.
SelectaDNA reduced burglaries in the Rotorua by 45% after the first 6 months.
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