Whittlesea home owners will be given the chance to stamp their valuables with “synthetic DNA” as part of a six-month trial to reduce burglaries and make it easier to return stolen goods.
As part of the trial 1000 homes across Whittlesea and Geelong will receive kits containing a unique synthetic DNA code, which will enable them to mark and register valuable items such as jewellery and technology equipment.
The kits will be delivered by local police and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers from August and will contain a clear liquid that can be applied to up to 50 items.
If a marked item is stolen and recovered, police can use a UV lamp to identify the liquid and test it to determine the DNA code and its registered owner.
Inspector Paul Tysoe said the trial used ground-breaking technology.
“Police will be able to identify where the property came from and potential offenders will be dissuaded from committing offences in that area,” he said.
“I am sure that crooks will want to find easier targets than our area when they realise the increased chances of being caught.”
Inspector Tysoe said Whittlesea was chosen as one of the trial sites because of increased burglary and crime rates last year.
According to Crime Statistics Agency data, there were 1787 burglaries in the municipality in the 12 months to March, up from 1710 in the year to March 2016. Overall crime rose 11 per cent, with 16,726 offences in the 12 months to March.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the pilot program was an Australian first but the technology was already being used by police in the UK and New Zealand.
Inspector Tysoe said local police were also working with Whittlesea council to create a diversion pilot program.
The program is aimed at offering first-time adult offenders rehabilitation programs to address the reasons for their offending, such as gambling, drug and alcohol addiction, or anger management issues.
If the offender completes the program, police will exercise their discretion and will issue a formal caution instead of charging them.
Inspector Tysoe said similar programs were already running across the state, but Whittlesea’s program was different as it was seeking funding for support agencies to run the rehabilitation programs.
He said a business case was being developed for the pilot program, which would be used to secure philanthropic donations.
“We want to build the community’s capacity to offer these services for people before they become offenders,” he said.
