Protecting Sussex Farms: How SelectaDNA is Helping Tackle Rural Theft

Protecting Sussex Farms: How SelectaDNA is Helping Tackle Rural Theft

Rural crime continues to be a major concern for farmers across the UK, with theft of machinery and equipment costing millions each year.

In rural areas like Sussex, which is 62% classed as rural or super rural, theft is a growing problem. Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne has taken action by funding 1,000 SelectaDNA forensic marking kits to help farmers safeguard their valuable tools and equipment. She explained:

“Stolen machinery and vehicles are not easy or cheap to replace, and thefts can have a huge impact on farming operations. With rural crime costing the UK over £50 million a year, we knew we needed to take action. This expanded rollout, in partnership with the NFU and Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team, will help farmers protect their livelihoods and increase the chances of catching offenders.”

Thanks to additional support from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), this initiative is now being rolled out across the county. The goal? To deter thieves, protect property, and help police return stolen equipment to its rightful owners more effectively.

How SelectaDNA Works

Each forensic marking kit includes a unique synthetic DNA solution, which once applied to tools, equipment, and machinery, dries clear and can only be detected using UV light. Marked tools and equipment are then registered  in a secure database, making it far easier for the police to return goods to their rightful owners in the event that they are stolen. 

Warning stickers and signage have also been provided as part of the initiative, which acts as a strong deterrent, alerting potential thieves to the fact that DNA marking is in operation in the area. 

A Proven Crime Deterrent

Where SelectaDNA has been deployed in other regions, the results speak for themselves:

• In North Yorkshire, farms using SelectaDNA kits saw a 91% reduction in theft and burglary.
• A trial in Sussex’s Rother district led to a 52.9% drop in burglary incidents.

Detective Superintendent Jon Robeson, who leads the Sussex Police Rural Crime Team, reinforced the importance of forensic marking as a crime prevention tool:

“Our dedicated Rural Crime Team is committed to making Sussex a hostile environment for criminals. These marking kits are a crucial tactical tool, reducing the attractiveness of farm equipment to thieves and improving the chances of recovery and prosecution if stolen.”

Get Your Own SelectaDNA Kit

If you want to protect your farm, business, or community, you can purchase a SelectaDNA Rural Kit directly from us. These kits provide the same high-quality forensic marking technology used by Sussex Police and farmers nationwide. Visit our website to buy your kit today or explore bulk options for wider community protection: Buy a SelectaDNA Rural Kit.

Together, we are working towards a safer, more secure future for the UK's farming communities.