Over 400 suspects screened as part of Operation Shield

More than 400 suspects have been screened in custody across Cheshire as part of Operation Shield.

So far a total of 433 people, who have passed through Cheshire Police’s three custody suites, have been screened as part of the forensic property marking initiative.  Almost 200 of those have been in the past week.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said:  “Offenders marked by the spray may shower and wash their hair thinking they are free of any traces but once put under a special ultra violet light we are able to see immediately that they have been involved in a crime.  It is then a simple task of removing a sample and checking the DNA code to locate the premises which it is registered to – therefore forensically linking the criminal to the crime.”

The operation, which launched on 2nd March, is targeting those who commit theft and burglary.  As part of the initiative around 1000 property marking kits, which consist of a traceable liquid that residents can use to forensically mark valuables, have been delivered to homes across the county

The DNA system is unique to each address and helps to identify stolen items if they are recovered − no matter where in the country they are found.

As well as helping to recover stolen property, offenders committing crime can also find themselves marked with the forensic liquid − this stays on their hair, skin and clothes and cannot be washed off.

Criminals will not be able to see it in normal light – but police officers will.  Every person arrested is being screened under a special ultra violet light in custody.

ACC Roberts added:  “All tests in custody for the traceable liquid have resulted in a negative result up to now − reinforcing the message that Operation Shield is making its mark across the county.  The aim of the operation is to deter would-be thieves and burglars − and provide reassurance for local residents.  As part of our ongoing commitment we will continue to screen suspects as they are brought into custody.

“My message to criminals in Cheshire is be extremely nervous about committing any crime in an Operation Shield protected area or premises. One spray could put you away.”