Neighbourhood News

Police trap houses across Buckinghamshire are being used in a crackdown on criminals who break into people’s homes.

The homes are fitted with covert high-tech specialist equipment including property marking such as SelectaDNA, which can link offenders directly to a crime scene through its unique code.

Trap cars have been used successfully in the county before, but this is the first time a tactic such as this has been used in houses in the county.

The scheme has already been successful with a number of persons prosecuted and police have the ability to run several houses in Buckinghamshire at any one time. Further operations of this type are planned across the county.

Detective Inspector Dominic Williamson said: “Individuals are not always aware that they have been caught as a result of a police trap house operation because the covert tactics we deploy are often withheld. So far this year the county has seen a reduction in burglaries to people’s homes of 12 per cent compared to the same period last year, which also saw a reduction.

“These operations are excellent examples of partnership working where both private and social landlords have supported the police in tackling burglary.

“The police warning to burglars is that any house you are looking to break into could be a police trap house.”

Det Ch Insp Philip Standish, said: “The increased deployment and use of technology forms a major part of criminal investigation in this area. This successful combination of technology and professional investigation not only secures evidence, but often leads to other offences and those who benefit from burglary being detected and brought to justice.”