New tool for businesses fighting crime

Businesses have a new tool in the fight against crime.

SelectaDNA, a forensic property marking solution, works as a property-marking tool, by placing a clear solution on personal property containing a unique DNA strand which is identifiable when illuminated by an ultra-violet light. DNA information is then stored on a global database so that any property marked with the SelectaDNA solution can be traced back to its original owner.

It was launched this week in association with North Harbour Business Association and the New Zealand Police.

The North Harbour Business Crime Prevention programme, formed in 2003 when burglaries and other forms of crime were a problem, has launched a range of crime-deterrent products to be included in Crime Prevention Toolkits being made available to local businesses across the Auckland region.

“We conducted a crime survey in the [North Harbour] area with all business members. The outcome was the creation of the ‘crime prevention’ toolkit.” David Wright, North Harbour crime prevention specialist, said.

Amongst the variation of tools was the crime-preventive product called SelectaDNA introduced by David Morrissey, director of SelectaDNA New Zealand Ltd.

“What our aim is with this product is to make the North Harbour business area a no-go zone.

“SelectaDNA has produced positive results worldwide, and we have experienced it firsthand here in New Zealand.”

About 1300 businesses in the North Harbour area will receive a free Crime Prevention Toolkit containing the SelectaDNA product.

Waitemata Police has backed the product launch with full support by implementing the ‘SNAP.org.nz’ property tracking programme which keeps records of property marked with identity stickers and the newly implemented SelectaDNA solution. Commander superintendent Bill Searle said.

“Under this initiative property is recorded onto the ‘SNAP’ website, and if the item is burgled, immediate access to details of the asset can be recovered to help recover your goods.