Fylde police and council unite to tackle stone gate finial thefts (From Blackpool Citizen)

Fylde police and council unite to tackle stone gate finial thefts

11:12am Thursday 20th November 2008

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Lytham’s Neighbourhood Policing Team is working together with Fylde Borough Council to reduce the number of thefts of stone gate finials.

Fylde Borough Council has funded packs of Selecta DNA for local residents to use on their property.

The kits are a covert marking system using a DNA based forensic formula to protect property and deter theft.

A resident of Fairlawn Road, John Searancke, said he was dismayed to discover when he returned home one afternoon that one of his Victorian finials had been stolen.

Mr Searancke said: “I was amazed to find that the stone finial had been stolen in broad daylight, the thieves were completely brazen.”

Each kit contains a bottle containing Selecta DNA formula of UV tracer, microdots and unique DNA, a stick applicator, tamper resistant warning labels, window stickers, a registration form and change of address form.

Bryan Ward, community safety manager for the Community Safety Partnership at Fylde Borough Council, said: “We are delighted to be providing these kits to residents in Lytham.

“Clearly we want to reassure the public that everything possible is being done to prevent this type of activity occurring again.

“Signage will also be placed in the area to deter would-be thieves from committing crime in Lytham.”

There are a limited number of packs available to local residents, anyone wishing to obtain one should contact PC Dawn Conolly-Perch at Lytham Police Station on 01253 604834.

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