Property marking kits have been delivered to houses across Whittlesea as part of a six-month trial to help people better protect their valuables.
Local police, Whittlesea Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and council representatives distributed the Protect | Prevent kits to selected areas early last week ahead of the trial’s launch last Friday.
Each kit contains a bottle of clear liquid with a unique synthetic DNA code.
The liquid can be applied to up to 50 valuable items including tablets, jewellery and appliances, and is registered to the people occupying the home. If a marked item is stolen and recovered then police can use a UV lamp to identify the presence of the liquid and return the item to its owner.
Signs will be placed in participating streets to further deter potential offenders.
The trial, which was announced in July, will be carried out in 1000 homes in Whittlesea and Geelong.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said Protect | Prevent could help to significantly reduce residential burglaries in Geelong and Whittlesea.
