SNAP partnership delivers forensic marking kits to Waikato schools

Waikato Police are putting their weight behind an initiative that will see DNA marking kits made available to Waikato schools in an effort to minimise the risk of school burglaries.

Former Waikato District Commander, Assistant Commissioner Allan Boreham, said 207 Waikato schools or education providers were burgled over the 2009/10 Fiscal Year.

"Each time property is stolen it has to be replaced placing pressure on the school's funding and denying our children learning opportunities," he said.

The initiative by BNZ, in partnership with SelectaDNA and the Ministry of Education, is being launched at the Berkley Normal Middle School tomorrow and will see 275 schools issued with forensic marking kits.

The kits allow for about 100 items of property to have forensic markings applied. Police can then detect the markings with the use of ultra violet light.
Each kit contains a bottle of DNA solution that is easily applied to any item of value. The unique DNA code in the solution will link each item to the individual school without damaging the marked property in any way.

"Last year a 61 per cent reduction in burglary was recorded during a trial in Manurewa's Randwick Park when 1000 homes, schools and businesses were provided the kits," said Mr Boreham.
"With increasing demands for education providers to deliver visual imagery and computer skills, schools are frequently becoming targets of opportunist burglars."

Mr Boreham said the initiative is part of the Serial Number Action Partnership (SNAP). A collection of community based initiatives aimed at beating burglary and stopping the trade in stolen property.
Participating schools are also being provided with fence signs and stickers.

"The DNA marking gives us the power to link offenders to the scene of a crime and adds to the strength of evidence, ultimately leading to a successful conviction" said Mr Boreham.

All parties involved in this initiative are partners in SNAP.