THEFT from student accommodation in a suburb of Birmingham has dropped dramatically following the use of forensic property marking product SelectaDNA as part of a series of crime prevention measures.
Burglaries from student homes in Selly Oak during October 2010 fell by an impressive 70% when compared to the previous four years.
Traditionally, burglaries in Selly Oak rocket in the month of October as students arrive in Birmingham for the start of the academic year and are unaware of the dangers of leaving goods on show and windows open.
Student homes are seen as rich pickings by criminals who are able to swipe multiple laptops, mobile phones, TVs and other valuables from just one residence, which might be home to several students.
But a new scheme has helped slam the door shut on student burglary as a team of Community Wardens from the Guild of Students at the University of Birmingham, has joined up with security officials and West Midlands Police to target the crooks.
The initiative involves a door-to-door campaign highlighting the importance of security and the launch of a dedicated text service which sends students relevant crime information. Students are also being encouraged to use SelectaDNA to mark their valuable electronic equipment.
The crime-fighting kits contain a bottle of SelectaDNA formula, which is made up of an ultraviolet tracer and a unique DNA code. If a marked item is stolen and later recovered by police, it can be scanned and traced back to the rightful owner via the DNA marking.
Jonny Kirby, Vice President Housing & Community at the Guild of Students, said: “The Community Wardens are committed to making sure Selly Oak is a better place for all who live there. With the latest figures, it certainly seems that their dedication and tenacity is starting to pay off.
“The fact that burglaries in the area have dropped by 70%, during a time notorious for break-ins, is a tremendous achievement,” he added.
Back to 2011 News Stories
