Technology that has been instrumental in catching domestic abusers is set to be piloted in a project to combat rural crime. SelectaDNA has been used by @DurhamPolice since 2024 to help those at risk of domestic abuse. The marking equipment has been so effective it is now being deployed across some of the force’s rural communities to protect properties against theft and burglary. Cllr Dawn Bellingham, our Cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: "The cost of rural crime has a devastating impact on farmers, who work incredibly hard to provide our food and goods and whose livelihoods depend on production. "We've seen how this technology can be used successfully to tackle crime, so we are pleased to support this trial via our Local Networks to ensure our farmers and rural communities are protected."