Villagers in Stokesby are being offered the chance to protect their property as the local policing team hands out free DNA marking kits. Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Judith Ward from the Rural Flegg Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will be at the old Post Office between 10am and 11am and Ferry Court between 11am and 12pm on January 16, handing out free Selecta DNA kits used to mark property.

Villagers in Stokesby are being offered the chance to protect their property as the local policing team hands out free DNA marking kits.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Judith Ward from the Rural Flegg Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will be at the old Post Office between 10am and 11am and Ferry Court between 11am and 12pm on January 16, handing out free Selecta DNA kits used to mark property.

It follows a similar event held in Filby in October when more than 50 kits were handed out to local people. The event was held in response to a rise in the number of burglaries in the Rural Flegg area.

The DNA marking kits work by applying a clear fluid to property such as a TV or iPod. The fluid marks the property with a unique code which is revealed when scanned with a UV light.

Property which is marked allows for easier identification if the property is stolen and subsequently recovered by police.

PCSO Ward will also be offering advice on home security and additional crime prevention advice offered by Norfolk police.

The advice includes:

Get into a routine of checking that doors and windows are closed and locked when leaving your property even if you are only out for a few minutes.

Front doors should not be left unlocked even if you are only out for a re minutes.

Frond doors should not be left unlocked even when you are outside in the garden.

Sheds and garages should be locked and alarmed where appropriate.

Ask you neighbours to help out by keeping watch when you are away.

Do not keep valuable items on display or in view in your property.

To contact the Rural Flegg NPT call 0845 4564567 or e-mail sntruralflegg@norfolk.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively, visit www.norfolk.police.uk.