POLICE officers in Knutsford are gearing up to launch their latest scheme to protect residents in rural communities from burglaries.

Operation Shield, will provide people living in rural areas around Knutsford with ‘traceable DNA liquid’ to mark all of the valuable items in their property.

The liquid will be specific to each household and will be registered to police partners ‘SelectaDNA’ so that any stolen items can be traced and returned.

The launch will take place in the week beginning Monday September 14, where Beat Sergeant, Andy Miller, will join other officers in visiting houses in rural areas.

Sgt Miller said: “Our main point of focus is Burglary and the prevention of future offences so our aim is to “Target Harden” as many houses as possible in a bid to make it unviable for Burglars and thieves to commit crime in these locations.

Knutsford Police, who have provided a limited number of kits, are now approaching local businesses, partner agencies and parish councils to help secure funding for more packs, which cost £8.65 a piece.

The police will deliver, register and demonstrate how each pack works. The kits will mark between 20 to 30 items per household.

For more information or to offer funding to Operation Shield, contact Sgt Miller on 07595 004108.