Police & Safe In The South Join Forces To Combat Theft

Southland Police are working with Safe in the South to combat theft in Southland through its ‘Select a DNA’ project.

The project sees the Select a DNA kits distributed to people who wish to deter theft in their homes. The crime prevention kits contain signage warning thieves to stay away, and pens or serum which can be used to mark property as the ink is revealed by ultraviolet, meaning the likelihood of catching any thieves is higher.

Community Development Co-ordinator, Saniya Thompson, said Safe in the South was an “umbrella” model; where the key stakeholders worked collaboratively on all aspects of community safety.

Photo: Constable Dave McLardy with burglary victim Matthew Schultz.

“Safe in the South is a coalition that combines organisations including: Southland Police, Fire Service, Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council, Southern District Health Board, Child Youth and Family, Chamber of Commerce, Emergency Management Southland and Local Iwi.

Southland Police Senior Sergeant, Cynthia Fairley, said kits had been supplied to many people and schools across Southland, including burglary victim Matthew Schultz, who in August came home to find the burglar still in his garage.

“Matthew, who normally leaves his house secure, was understandably upset and angry by the invasion of his property. This was an opportunity for the thief to wander in and search the whole house and enter all the bedrooms in broad daylight.

Although in this case Matthew got all his property back, this thief had caused grief and lasting emotional effects on three home owners that day and of serious concern was the effect this event had on Matthew’s daughter.

“Matthew also checked with his neighbours on the day of the burglary and then with elderly neighbours who had often left garage doors open during the day.  Thesecriminals take advantage of people thinking they don’t have to lock stuff away even during the day. The Select a DNA kit was greatly appreciated and was applied to Matthew’s electronic items by Constable Dave McLardy,” Ms Fairley said.