Police in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have this week stepped up their efforts to tackle crime in the two towns with the launch of a new high-tech system.
A group of residents has become the first in the whole region to be given new DNA property marking packs to safeguard their valuables against criminals.
The property marking and spray kits contain a unique DNA code which allow police to identify property and link criminals to the crime, thereby reducing the likelihood of crimes being committed.
It comes after the launch of a ‘Street a Week’ initiative in July in which different streets in Burnham and Highbridge are being visited each week to engage with residents and offer crime prevention advice.
Burnham and Highbridge Police Community Support Officer Pete Williams, right, said: “We are pleased that over 300 homes here have now received crime prevention advice since July following an increase in dwelling and non-dwelling burglaries in the early part of this year.”
“Tregelles Close in Highbridge is the first street in the whole Avon and Somerset Police force area to be listed as an ‘Anti Burglary Zone’ with 28 homes there having received free DNA property marking kits.”
Highbridge Beat Manager Constable Adrian Jones said the project has been so successful that Police in other areas of Somerset are seeking to roll out the scheme. The DNA packs will be offered to other residents in the Burnham area in coming weeks and are also available to buy online.
Pictured: Burnham Police’s Pete Williams and Adrian Jones at the launch
