Crime Prevention Trial launches today in South Auckland

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 1PM

Today at 1pm a groundbreaking crime prevention initiative will launch in Randwick Park, Counties Manukau. The six month trial involves 1000 homes, as well as businesses and schools, in Randwick Park receiving free domestic kits of SelectaDNA – a synthetic, unique DNA coded solution which can be used to mark valuables in the home or business.

Counties Manukau Police is actively participating in the trial, as are Manukau City Council and Victim Support. Police will be surveying residents’ perception of community safety before and after the trial, as well as closely monitoring burglary and theft rates in the area.

In a nutshell, SelectaDNA is a synthetic DNA solution which dries clear and can be used to mark valuables and property. The solution glows bright blue when placed under UV light. Each bottle of solution has a unique DNA code which is registered to its owner on SelectaDNA’s secure database and can be accessed by Police.

In police-backed trials in the UK and Netherlands burglary rates have fallen between 40% to 55% after SelectaDNA has been implemented in residential areas. Following is a clip from the BBC about the product:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7USeh6Uh2NU

BNZ will be retailing the domestic kits to the public in Counties Manukau in September, and throughout the country in October. The domestic kits retail for $100 and can be used to mark up to 100 items.

BNZ is also installing a Hydra Spray version of SelectaDNA, which sprays offenders with the bank’s own SelectaDNA solution when they exit a premises. The Hydra Spray will be installed in Auckland’s Manurewa branch followed by BNZ branches throughout the country. SelectaDNA stays on products indefinitely and on clothing for up to six months even after it has been washed, irrefutably placing bank robbers at the scene of a crime.

ENDS

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