Security stepped up on targeted Bilston homes
Security measures are being stepped up at hundreds of homes after a spate of burglaries in a part of Wolverhampton.
More than 250 have signed up to the property marking scheme in Bilston.
Belongings will get an invisible mark that means they can then be traced and will be able to be identified if they are stolen and later seized by police. SelectaDNA traceable liquids contain a UV tracer and unique DNA code, as well as thousands of microdots in certain products, so it can be easily detected by police and traced back to its rightful owner should property be taken.
They are also handing out shed alarms to residents.
Bilston East Sergeant Glen Moseley said: "There has been a recent increase in burglaries of both homes and sheds.
"We are working hard with partners to reduce these offences.
"We have been offering crime prevention advice and free crime reduction products," he added.
The Bilston policing team has been providing the free service and offering crime prevention advice as part of its crime reduction work.
In the last fortnight, 15 homes in Kemsey Drive, Bilston and 24 in Sterling Road, Bradley, have been given the property marking equipment.
Figures released earlier this year by West Midlands Police show burglaries have decreased in Sandwell and Walsall by close to 15 per cent since last April – compared to the same period 12 months ago.
But in Wolverhampton there has been an increase of 1.2 per cent over the period, while Dudley break-ins have increased more than 15 per cent – with 773 burglaries for the 2014/2015 period compared to 668 the previous year.
However, the force is hailing the new figures a success, with an overall decrease of 10 per cent throughout the region – 942 fewer break-ins – which bosses say is down to officers tightening their grip on known offenders and protecting houses in crime 'hot spots'.
Chief Inspector Alan Simmonds oversees Operation Illuminate, a project designed to tackle burglary in 'hot-spot' areas and reduce the figures further.
He said: "Under Operation Illuminate we're keeping up pressure on thieves with a history of striking during dark winter evenings.
"We are also increasing patrols in parts of the region where historically we've seen more vulnerable properties, like student accommodation, being targeted," Chief Inspector Simmonds added.
To get any of the security products call police on 101 871 3022.
