Police to hold DNA forensic marking event at Northumberland National Park

Northumberland Partnership Against Rural Crime said the session would help farmers to protect their equipment from being stolen

clock • 1 min read
Officers said £200,000 worth of equipment has been protected with DNA forensic marking (Northumbria Police)
Image:

Officers said £200,000 worth of equipment has been protected with DNA forensic marking (Northumbria Police)

Police have announced they will be hosting a machinery marking event in Northumberland National Park to help farmers protect their equipment from being stolen.

Northumberland Partnership Against Rural Crime, launched in December 2022, said it will host the session on Monday (September 18) in the village of Lucker near Belford to show farmers how to safeguard their machinery from thieves with DNA forensic marking. 

Officers have asked farmers to take either their ATVs, trailers or other machinery to show them how to mark and register their equipment along with providing warning signage to display on their farms.

See also: South West farmers urged to take part in rural crime survey

Northumbria Police said more than £200,000 worth of agricultural machinery, tools and equipment had been marked with a forensic code as part of its fight against rural crime with an invisble DNA code since the beginning of the summer.

Police said the code helps our officers easily spot stolen property that thieves may be attempting to sell on and quickly identify rightful owners.

See also: Warning as criminal gangs target tractors in the Midlands

More on Rural crime

Farmer distressed after criminals create giant spider-like figure in crops

Farmer distressed after criminals create giant spider-like figure in crops

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said the incident has led to crop damage and significant financial losses to the farmer

clock 10 July 2025 • 1 min read
Rural crime policy steps up protection for farmers

Rural crime policy steps up protection for farmers

Welsh Government says greater collaboration wil help to tackle rising crime costs

clock 10 July 2025 • 2 min read
Farmers' testimonies crucial in progression of livestock worrying Bill

Farmers' testimonies crucial in progression of livestock worrying Bill

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is getting closer to being passed into legislation, and farmers have been praised for sharing what can often be difficult and heartbreaking experiences on the issue

clock 07 July 2025 • 6 min read