Cops use DNANet property marking to deter South Bermondsey burglars

South Bermondsey is one of four wards in Lambeth and Southwark where DNANet property marking is being used by the Metropolitan Police.

Neighbourhood officers are visiting 1,000 homes in each borough to speak with residents about burglary crime prevention and to show them how to take preventative steps in protecting their home through property marking.

The Met is offering to mark items of value with DNANet, a unique liquid containing a specific DNA code that is non-toxic, invisible to the naked eye and most importantly traceable if the items are stolen.

Street signs are being installed on the roads where property marking is occurring to act as a deterrent to potential burglars.

"The response from Lambeth residents to this burglary crime prevention and reduction scheme have been extremely positive with an almost 100 per cent take up rate of addresses visited to date," said Chief Inspector Robyn Williams from Lambeth Police.

"Police in Lambeth will continue to adopt and utilise innovative tactics including DNANet property marking that will support us in keeping our residents safe."

In November 2012 there were 153 residential burglaries in the borough of Southwark.