Operation Shield

Partnership Briefing

What is it?• Operation Shield is a forensic property marking initiative that launches in Cheshire on 2nd March.

• It is targeting burglars and thieves.

• It uses a unique DNA marking system to protect valuables - such as electrical items and jewellery.

• Officers are visiting homes to offer residents the opportunity to sign up to Operation Shield - and have their personal property forensically marked..

What does it do?It comes in two forms:

• The first is a traceable liquid that residents can use to forensically mark items within their home. The DNA marking system is unique to each address and helps to identify stolen items if they are recovered.

• The second is an intruder spray that uses a unique DNA solution to protect businesses from robbery and burglary. This sprays anyone who enters premises illegally.

How does it work?

• Every offender brought into custody and all property recovered by police in Cheshire is now being screened for the DNA marking system.

• This stays on the clothes, skin and hair of offenders for weeks - you cannot see it - but we can under UV light.

• The system has been used in other places across the region and has had a good success rate in reducing crime.

What are the benefits?Landlords• The forensic property marking system will add an extra layer of protection to your property - and act as a deterrent to burglary and theft.

• It has been used in other places across the region and has helped to reduce this type of crime.

• Your tenants will see this as a positive thing - and potentially feel more secure in their own home.

• There will be less damage to homes by forced entry if officers need to search properties for potential suspects/stolen items.

What are the benefits?Local Authority• The forensic property marking system has been used in other places across the region and has helped to reduce burglary and theft.

• There will potentially be fewer victims of this type of crime - especially the elderly and vulnerable - meaning there will be less need for these services within the community.

• There will be less opportunity for vulnerable people to become more vulnerable.

• It will help to increase confidence within the local community – and reinforce the sense of community cohesion.

What are the benefits?

Health• The forensic property marking system has been used in other places across the region and has helped to reduce burglary and theft.

• There will potentially be fewer victims of this type of crime - especially the elderly and vulnerable - meaning there will be less need for these services within the community.

• There will be less opportunity for vulnerable people to become more vulnerable.

What are the benefits?

Education• The forensic property marking system has been used in other places across the region and has helped to reduce burglary and theft.

• There will potentially be fewer victims of this type of crime - so families will potentially feel more secure in their own home.

• It will help to increase confidence within the local community - resulting in happier children, who are more focused to learn at school.

Moving forward• Cheshire Constabulary is committed to tackling acquisitive crime. Working in partnership is key - we need the support of our partners within the local community to ensure the operation is a success.

You can support us in many ways:• We need you to spread the word and ensure that the key messages around the operation are cascaded throughout your organisation.• Your comms teams will be briefed about the operation by the

Cheshire Constabulary comms team.• We would welcome any ideas for how we can all work together

moving forward.

If you would like to find out more about Operation Shield - visit the Cheshire

Police website or contact DI Peter Merrill on 01606 365349.

Working Together on Crime