SIX primary schools in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen in Lancashire are tightening up security and using SelectaDNA to protect their property from burglary.
The schools, which include Feniscowles Primary in Blackburn and St Paul’s Church of England Primary in Hoddlesden, have purchased the forensic marking kits from Blackburn Council.
Alison Bolton, Office Manager and Bursar at Feniscowles, said: “We will be using SelectaDNA to mark anything and everything of value at the school from laptops and computers to projectors and interactive whiteboards. We are putting up posters around the school premises to alert burglars to the fact that property marking is being used.”
SelectaDNA comes in a kit containing a bottle of DNA solution that can be easily applied to any items such as electronic equipment, PE equipment and even musical instruments. The unique DNA code in the solution links each item to the individual school. It doesn't damage the marked property in any way.
Carole Bond from Blackburn Council, which is supplying the kits to the schools, said: “SelectaDNA is being used as a deterrent in the first instance and has the added bonus of being able to mark property so that it can be traced back to the individual school.”
She added: “It’s not just the fact that equipment is taken when burglars break into schools, it’s also the damage they cause, which is often costly to repair and causes unnecessary disruption to the school concerned.
“This crime prevention scheme is ongoing and will send a strong message to burglars that school theft is not even worth attempting.”
Back to 2010 News Stories
