SelectaDNA forensic marking reduces theft from Havering Schools

(12/06/2009)

Every school in the east London borough of Havering is now being protected by SelectaDNA forensic marking following the introduction of an extensive scheme in the area.

Theft from schools had been a major problem for Havering Local Education Authority (LEA), costing approximately £250,000 over an 18-month period prior to the introduction of the scheme, which originally launched in 2006 using Selectamark's permanent marking system. There has only been one burglary reported from a school in the area since then.

In 2008, the latest SelectaDNA forensic marking product was introduced to the Borough. The product is also in use in many schools throughout the UK, which were previously considered prime targets for thieves due to the wide range of ICT, audio and video equipment they contain.

The police-backed crime reduction initiative led by Havering LEA and Havering Community Safety Partnership has now ensured that all school laptops, whiteboards, PCs, audio equipment and even musical instruments have been marked. The SelectaDNA solution contains a unique DNA code that links each item to the individual school. It does not damage the marked property.

Penny Patterson from Havering LEA, said: “Schools in the area have given us positive feedback. They say the product is easy to use and some of the schools have even involved pupils in the process of marking equipment so that they can pass on the message about how important security is at school and at home.”

Local police have also confirmed that SelectaDNA forensic marking is extremely effective at deterring thieves, especially when the scheme is properly advertised and promoted locally with warning posters.

Police forces across the UK routinely scan criminals and suspected stolen property for traces of SelectaDNA, so criminals know about it and fear its power to link them to the scene of a crime. As a result, SelectaDNA has a 100% conviction rate.

James Brown, sales director at Selectamark, said: “We are very pleased that SelectaDNA has had such a positive impact in helping police tackle theft from schools in the Havering area.”

Commercial SelectaDNA kits suitable for schools can mark 100, 500 or 1,000 items. Each kit contains deterrent stickers for marked items and windows along with posters that could be put up on school premises and outdoor signage that could be fixed to school gates or exterior walls.

Related topics:  Tagging vandalism and theft prevention 

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