Villagers near Tisbury offered free DNA property marking kits
It's after a "large proportion" of burglaries earlier this year, police say
Villagers near Tisbury are being offered free DNA property marking kits from the police, after a number of burglaries took place earlier this year.
The DNA kits, which usually cost £25 for Wiltshire residents, contain a tube of DNA liquid, a swab and identifiable stickers which can mark up to 50 items.
Police will be at Donhead St Mary's Village Hall to hand out the free kits today (Thursday 27th October) from 10.00am until 2.00pm, to residents in Donhead St Mary and Donhead St Andrew.
A spokesperson for the Tisbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
"Residents of Donhead St Marys and Donhead St Andrews suffered a large proportion of burglaries earlier on this year.
"If you live in either of those villages then pop along to Donhead St Marys Village Hall on Thursday 27 Oct between 10am at 2pm where local Officers will be present and provide you with a free Selecta DNA property marking kit."
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio back in July, when the DNA kits were first rolled out, Inspector Pete Sparrow from Wiltshire Police, said officers hope that criminals will be deterred from stealing an item if it's DNA marked:
"The returning of the property is the outcome, and it's a positive outcome to have.
"The primary aim of this is about crime prevention. All of it helps to stop a thief wanting to take it, and the more we can stop people from taking it, the more we can prevent crime.
The product can be used on electronics, jewellery, antiques, power tools or anything else a thief may be able to steal and sell on quickly.
The force say they'd love to be able to give everyone free kits, however it's not possible.
They have managed to get a discount for Wiltshire residents though.
Anyone who uses the code NHWAWILTSHIRE on the SelectaDNA website can get one for £25.