Herts police use forensic marking kits to clamp down on rural crime
A new scheme to reduce theft from rural and farming communities has been launched in Hertfordshire.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards has approved extra funding for the constabulary’s Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) to pilot a property marking project.
The PCC is supplying 200 specialist SelectaDNA forensic marking kits to be distributed free to businesses in targeted locations.
The advanced forensic marking system provides an invisible yet unique code on valuable property, which can only be seen under ultraviolet light. This allows police to quickly identify stolen items and link perpetrators to crimes.
The scheme will focus on marking high-value and frequently targeted items such as chainsaws, GPS systems, trailers, tractors, quad bikes, tools, saddles and tack.
Mr Ash-Edwards said: “Thefts of farm machinery and equipment are hugely disruptive and costly for local farmers and can leave them unable to plant or harvest crops when they need to. I am delighted to be funding this forensic marking project to deter and tackle crime impacting Hertfordshire’s rural communities.
“This project is the first time this technology has been used in Hertfordshire. It is a prime example of how prevention can be used to reduce crime in the first place as forensic marking and signage on farms has a proven deterrent effect. It will also help the police to return stolen items to their owners and provide evidence for successful prosecutions.
“I look forward to seeing the impact of this project over the coming months and continuing to work with our local farmers and the police to keep rural areas of Hertfordshire safe.”
Rural Operational Support Team Sergeant Alex Winning said: “It is an innovative new crime prevention method that we are trialling in Hertfordshire for the first time.”
In addition to marking equipment, signage will be installed on gateposts and in key locations to act as a deterrent. Similar schemes elsewhere, such as in North Yorkshire, have distributed over 8,000 kits, resulting in a 100% reduction in thefts of marked property.
The initiative is being delivered through the Community Safety Budget in partnership with ROST and supports the forthcoming Police and Crime Plan’s priority to drive down rural crime. If successful, the scheme could be rolled out more widely across Hertfordshire.
