DNA scheme on farm machinery cuts theft - report

Fewer high-risk items had been reported as stolen from the farms involved in the scheme

A scheme which uses an invisible DNA solution to mark farm machinery is said to have proven successful in reducing thefts across North Yorkshire.

Property is marked with a gel containing a unique code that, when analysed, links to the rightful owner.

North Yorkshire Combined Authority provided 8,000 SelectaDNA kits to more than 1,500 farms, the largest roll-out in the country.

North Yorkshire Police said fewer high-risk items had been reported as stolen from farms involved in the scheme, since last year's launch.

Farms in crime hotspot locations were offered up to five kits and warning signs, to mark agricultural vehicles and equipment.

A report prepared for next week's Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting at North Yorkshire Council noted that only three farms which had used the kits had since been targeted by thieves.

In contrast, 72 farms which had not used the kits had have thefts.

The solution can last up to five years outdoors, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The report also cited a 30% reduction in quad bike thefts since the scheme began.

It also said that North Yorkshire Police's rollout of the kits was now seen as "best practice" for other forces across the country.

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