Homes in burglary hotspot areas are to be given forensic property-marking DNA kits after proposals were accepted by councillors at the Area One Committee last night.

It comes following heightened concern from residents about burglaries in the areas, as highlighted by Cllr Michelle Dunn (Conservative, Wanstead) at the meeting, held at Wanstead Church School in Church Path, Wanstead.

The kits, which cost £9.80 each, will be distributed to 300 homes at a cost of £2,910. The homes will be chosen based on long and short term burglary information provided by police teams.

The committee unanimously agreed the project which enables residents to tag valuables, which if stolen and recovered assist police in identifying the owners and in prosecution.