Sussex Police funds 1,000 DNA kits to combat farm theft

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne has committed to funding 1,000 SelectaDNA forensic marking kits to help farmers protect their equipment from theft.

In collaboration with the NFU and Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team, this initiative aims to reduce rural theft across the county and improve the chances of recovering stolen items.

Rural theft remains a persistent issue in the UK, costing farmers more than £50m each year.

See also: NFU demands action on rising rural crime rates

With 62% of Sussex classified as rural or super-rural, the county has experienced increasing thefts of farm machinery and tools.

The newly funded forensic marking kits will be distributed free of charge to farmers, enhancing security and giving police an essential tool to combat the rising crime.

The SelectaDNA forensic marking technology works by applying a unique synthetic DNA solution to farm tools and machinery.

The invisible liquid leaves a distinctive forensic mark that is detectable under UV light and can be logged in a secure, police-accessible database.

This makes it easier for police to identify stolen goods and return them to their rightful owners.

Warning signs

In addition to the kits, farms will also receive warning signs and stickers, providing a visible deterrent to criminals.

Ms Bourne, who has served as PCC for the county since 2012, spoke about the importance of taking action to protect farmers.

“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 millions each year, we knew we needed to take action,” she said.

“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.”

The impact of SelectaDNA technology has been significant in other parts of the UK.

In North Yorkshire, theft and burglary from farms dropped by 91% following the use of SelectaDNA kits, while a trial in Sussex’s Rother district saw a 52.9% reduction in burglaries.