Sydney,  (IANS) Burglaries in a New Zealand suburb dropped drastically by more than 60 percent during a recently completed trial of the theft-deterrent product SelectaDNA.

The dramatic 61 percent drop in burglaries occurred after 1,000 homes, businesses and schools in the trial area installed SelectaDNA Forensic Property Marking kits last September.

The first New Zealand trial, supported by Manukau City Council and Victim Support, has gone a long way in helping the Randwick Park community feel safer, says Inspector Jason Hewett.

'We saw that SelectaDNA trials had worked well in the UK and we are pleased to see that the results of New Zealand's first SelectaDNA trial have produced a similar outcome.'

When the kits were delivered last year, residents were given instructions on how to apply the SelectaDNA which uses a virtually invisible synthetic DNA solution to mark personal property.

Each batch of solution is unique in its DNA makeup and once registered on the secure database, proves irrefutable evidence of property ownership.

Director of SelectaDNA NZ Ltd, David Morrissey, said SelectaDNA is a comprehensive crime prevention strategy. SelectaDNA works by deterring would-be thieves.

'As well as the DNA solution, each kit contains stickers that residents adhere to their windows so everyone can see that the property is protected by SelectaDNA.

'What we've seen in Randwick Park is the same as we've seen in the UK and the Netherlands.

Highly visible signage and word of mouth among the criminal fraternity is proving to be a very successful way to deter theft and burglary. 'They know that if they steal, they're marked!'

Police can detect the presence of SelectaDNA by shining a UV light onto stolen property. The solution when detected will glow bright blue.

Most markings will contain 'microdots' with a unique code that are readable under a microscope.

Even if there is no microdot, a solution sample the size of a pinhead is enough to draw a conclusive match, by forensic analysis, to a registered owner.

While small businesses, schools and residential property can be protected using the domestic kits, SelectaDNA's commercial HydraSpray units work to deter criminals from targeting larger businesses with high risk goods or cash, such as warehouses, banks and retailers.

HydraSpray units disperse the DNA solution on fleeing robbers or burglars as they exit a building, covering them in an invisible fine mist that also glows blue under UV light, says a Sciencealert release.

The SelectaDNA solution stays on skin for up to two weeks and on clothing for around six months (even after being washed).