Braintree district: Farmers given forensic DNA property marking kits

We’re supporting our farmers across the Braintree district by providing them with forensic DNA property marking kits.

Braintree Neighbourhood Policing Team has secured funding from Braintree Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to offer the kits free to all working farms across the district.

Sergeant Kev Mayle says: “We know farmers and landowners can feel isolated and we seek to provide them with reassurance and crime prevention advice, and support victims of crime.

“We know the financial and psychological effects that such thefts can have and the huge disruption the loss of agricultural machinery and vehicles can have on rural farms and businesses.”

Each kit includes a solution, containing a unique DNA code, and an identity number which, together, make marked property easily traceable back to its owner.

Kev adds: “It’s fairly simple to prove the items have been stolen, so they become too hot to handle, which can be an effective deterrent to thieves. And the evidence is indisputable in court.”

PCSO Terrie Johnson is writing to Farm Watch members, inviting them to contact her to arrange a visit from an officer to show farmers how to use and register their kits. Alternatively, farmers in the district can book an appointment by emailing [email protected]

Terrie says: “We know it’s a busy time for farmers so they are welcome to contact us when it suits them and we’ll arrange a visit. Of course, that’s also a good opportunity for them to ask us questions and speak to us about local issues which matter to them.”

Our rural engagement officers can also provide specialist crime prevention advice.

Visit our Rural Crime pages to find out how they can help you and your farming business.

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