Forensic marking spray issued to farmers to combat rural crime

Technology that has been instrumental in catching domestic abusers is set to be piloted in a project to combat rural crime.

Durham Constabulary has used SelectaDNA forensic tagging products since 2024 to help those at risk of domestic abuse.

The marking equipment has been so effective it is now being deployed across some of the force’s rural communities to protect properties against theft and burglary.

It uses synthetic DNA and microscopic dots to permanently mark valuables and tools.  

The kits, which will be registered and issued to all farmers in the Teesdale, Crook, and Weardale areas initially, will be uniquely coded to each owner, allowing them to mark up to 50 products.

These are registered to a specific database which allows officers to identify and reunite an item if stolen.

The project is led by the force’s rural lead, Inspector Andy Reeves.

He said: “We have seen how well SelectaDNA has worked in both prevention and solving crime within our work to protect women and girls, so we are really pleased to be able to pilot the technology in our rural communities.

“We already have a strong network through our Rurali operation, but this will add another tool in our arsenal against criminals who try to target our farmers, who can be hit hard when their property is stolen.

“We are hopeful this will be a good deterrent but also allow our officers to routinely check for SelectaDNA during traffic stops to reunite property that is stolen with their rightful owners faster and more efficiently.”

Funding for the kits has generously been provided by several donors including the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen; Councillor Grants of Councillors Richard Bell, Jillian Campbell, Jasmine Fox, Robert Potts, Chris Foote-Wood and Anita Savory, administered by Durham County Council’s Teesdale and Crook and Weardale Local Networks; the Crook North and Tow Law Pride in Place Board and Wolsingham Show.

The rollout will officially begin in September, with launch events at Wolsingham, Stanhope, and Eggleston Agricultural Shows as well as local marts. Focus days will also be held to encourage eligible farmers to claim their kit if needed.

If successful, it is hoped the kits can be provided to all farmers in the force area, of which there are more than 1,850.

To claim a kit, farmers will need to provide proof they reside/own a farm in the Teesdale or Weardale area with a driving licence or utility bill.

PCC Allen said: "SelectaDNA has already proven its value in helping protect vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice, so it is excellent to see this technology being extended to tackle rural crime and safeguard our farming communities. 

“I made a clear commitment in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan to tackle rural crime and support our rural communities. That's why I was delighted to provide funding for this proven technology, which will help deter criminals, recover stolen property and give farmers greater peace of mind.

“Rural theft can have a significant financial and emotional impact on farmers, and initiatives like this not only help deter criminals but also increase the chances of recovering stolen property. This project demonstrates the power of partnership working, and I look forward to seeing the positive difference it makes across Teesdale, Crook and Weardale, with the hope that it can be rolled out to farmers across the whole force area in the future.”

Councillor Dawn Bellingham, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, added: “The cost of rural crime has a devastating impact on farmers, who work incredibly hard to provide our food and goods and whose livelihoods depend on production.

“We’ve seen how this technology can be used successfully to tackle crime, so we are pleased to support this trial via our local networks to ensure our farmers and rural communities are protected.”

Mary Hall, Chair of the Crook North and Tow Law Pride in Place Board, said: “This is a good example of matching funding to provide kits that will help local people and partnership working to achieve a common goal and help our community stay safe.”