RESIDENTS living in crime hot spots are being urged by police to use a forensic DNA spray in a bid to tackle burglaries.

Officers are visiting residents to encourage them to use property marking kits on valuable household items. And selected homes in areas where burglary is a known problem will be provided with marking kits and assisted in marking their valuables.

The spray contains an individual DNA code which will enable police to link a burglar to the stolen items or targeted property and can also help in reuniting victims with their recovered goods.

The Star has reported on a crime wave in the past two month that has seen a surge in car key burglaries.

Now St Helens Community Safety Partnership and Merseyside Police have funded the latest DNA scheme, which will see properties across the borough forensically marked.

Cllr Lisa Preston, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: "We’re eager to introduce this new technology to the borough for the safety and security of our residents. Falling victim to a burglary is an incredibly distressing experience and it’s often the emotional impact, rather than the financial one, that is the most damaging.

"We hope that the traceable liquids will act as a deterrent and that, if the worst should happen, more people will receive justice and see their valuables returned to them.”

Meanwhile, Merseyside Police's Integrated Offender Management team will be cracking down on known offenders.

Acting Sergeant Stephen Mercer, who is leading the initiative, said: "Burglary is a priority for us and we are keen to exploit every avenue that could help us solve this kind of crime, as well as helping to better support victims in their hour of need.

"DNA property marking will be used where there is a known problem in a bid to prevent residents or businesses being targeted. This approach should have a beneficial impact, in helping to reassure vulnerable people and acting as a deterrent to would-be offenders, whilst helping us with identification of recovered stolen property and prosecuting offenders.

"It is not only ideal for homes at risk but also premises such as churches and schools that are often vulnerable to burglary."