Protecting North Yorkshire’s Rural Communities with SelectaDNA
Rural crime continues to present a serious challenge for farming communities across the UK, with organised criminals targeting high-value equipment such as tractors, quad bikes, and GPS units. To help tackle the issue, North Yorkshire Police (NYP) has partnered with SelectaDNA, rolling out thousands of forensic marking kits to farms across the county.
This innovative approach is helping to deter criminals, protect property, and reassure rural communities. Speaking at the National Acquisitive Crime Conference, the NYP Rural Task Force shared how they are using SelectaDNA to deliver real results on the ground.
A dedicated team to tackle rural crime
North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force (RTF) is a dedicated team tackling rural and wildlife crime across the county’s 8,654 km². With one PC and one PCSO in each command area, the RTF provides specialist support to rural communities. Officers are trained in advanced skills including pursuit driving, drone operations, licensed search, and public order. The team works closely with partners such as the National Rural Crime Unit, RSPCA, NFU, DEFRA, Natural England, and other neighbouring forces.
An area with complex crime challenges
Covering one of the largest rural policing areas in England, the team faces unique challenges:
- Vast geography and 5,753 miles of rural roads
- A population of 1.1 million spread across remote communities
- Persistent issues with theft of farming equipment, quad bikes, GPS devices, and other high-value items often targeted by organised crime groups
Their role is to proactively prevent crime, support victims, and work with partners to protect rural livelihoods.
How SelectaDNA is helping in the fight against rural crime
In 2024, the Rural Task Force began distributing 8,000 SelectaDNA kits to over 1,600 farms across North Yorkshire. The kits allow officers and farmers to mark property such as:
- Quad bikes and tractors
- GPS devices
- Trailers and tools
- Other farm machinery, cars, and personal possessions
The forensic marking solution is invisible to the eye but detectable under UV light, linking stolen property back to its rightful owner and deterring would-be thieves. Farms issued with the kits have also been mapped, providing a long-term reference for officers and ensuring wide coverage across the county.
The work has been showcased to the Policing Minister, at major events such as the Great Yorkshire Show and Tractor Fest, and is now widely recognised as best practice.
Impressive results from a determined team
The impact has been significant. Comparing July–December 2024 with the same period in 2023:
- Farms using SelectaDNA were 96% less likely to be a victim of crime
- 91% reduction in repeat victim theft and burglary offences
- 30% reduction in quad bike thefts
- Overall reduction in thefts of high-risk rural property
Independent figures from the NFU also underline the success. The cost of rural crime in North Yorkshire and York fell by 22.7% in 2024 – well above the national average decrease of 16.5%.
Want to tackle rural crime in your area?
Get in touch at [email protected] or call 01689 487438 to discuss your needs.
For more information about SelectaDNA Rural Kits, visit our product page: https://www.selectadna.co.uk/dna-asset-marking/selectadna-rural-kit
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