Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions, has announced that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) will be using its proprietary DNANet™ property marking kits as part of a major initiative to reduce crime in targeted London neighbourhoods.
MPS will be deploying DNAnet markers in thousands of homes where homeowners will be encouraged to mark and register their valuable belongings. In the case of theft, the presence of the unique DNAnet marker enables police to identify stolen goods and trace them to a specific crime scene. The unequalled forensic merit of DNAnet markers empower towns and cities to apprehend and convict criminals. In the long term, crime deterrence rises from enhanced policing and prosecution power. Street and home signage announcing the use of DNAnet markers will place potential offenders on alert, offering additional deterrence value.
Chief Inspector Robyn Williams who is responsible for Neighbourhood Policing and Partnership in Lambeth said: “The response from Lambeth residents to this Burglary crime prevention and reduction scheme has been extremely positive with an almost 100% take up rate of addresses visited to date. Police in Lambeth will continue to adopt and utilise innovative tactics including DNANet property marking that will support us in keeping our residents safe.”
Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences stated, “Our DNA products are already used across Europe in high security applications. We protect approximately twenty-six percent (26%) of all cash movements across the UK, which has been instrumental in the capture and sentencing of a significant number of criminals. Our DNA is also used across Sweden in jewellery stores and recently to protect copper assets located in Energy stations throughout Sweden. We are delighted to be working with the Metropolitan Police on this excellent crime reduction initiative to help protect households and communities for people worried about crime in their neighbourhoods.”
The value of DNA-based law enforcement tool offered by Applied DNA Sciences, is well known in the United Kingdom. Recently, Applied DNA Sciences was awarded the Excellence in Policing award and POP (“Problem Oriented Policing”) award. These awards recognised APDN’s SigNature®DNA technology which helped the Lancashire constabulary to positively identify and prosecute perpetrators in the UK. In December 2011, APDN was awarded the coveted Tilley award from both Houses of Parliament for the contribution of SigNature DNA in the resolution of the Blackburn robbery case that resulted in five convictions with a total of 55 years in sentencing. In a separate case, SigNature DNA helped in the dismantling of a major UK drug ring where eleven cartel members were sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison.
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