Those living in burglary “hotspots” will receive a special DNA kit to protect their property after funding was agreed by councillors, despite the wards having the second lowest number of incidents in the borough.

Five hundred Selecta forensic property marking kits will be given to residents living in high risk roads in Fairlop, Fullwell and Hainault, at cost of just over £5,000.

These include Rushden Gardens, Craven Gardens, Brocket Way, Lang Close and Tunstall Avenue.

Signs will also be produced to advertise the areas which were protected after funding was agreed at the area committee three meeting on Wednesday at Fullwell Cross Library, High Street, Barkingside.

Cllr Joyce Ryan said: “Burglaries seem to be on the increase and I haven’t seen any police in Fairlop recently. I am really concerned about the strength of the force and I am horrified at the lack of numbers in the teams.

“I know its not the police fault, you have to deal with what you are given.”

Between April 2012 and March this year, 359 burglaries took place in area three, a reduction of just under 60 incidents on the previous year.

Sgt Dom Brown said: “Burglary in this area is not as bad as people think, and the overall message is that fear is driving peoples concern rather than the incidents actually taking place.”

Two thirds of burglaries are thought to take place during the day when people are at work.

A council spokesman suggested that committee members fund the kits as they offer a “much better likelihood” of getting stolen items returned.

Cllr Nick Hayes said: “People have brought up on several occasions about repeat victims of burglary, and thieves targeting properties nearby. I would like to see the committee make more DNA kits available to give out to neighbours of burgled homes.”

Proposals to fund more kits will be brought back to the committee for consultation.

Cllr Edward Griffin added: “I would like to see these kits given to elderly and disabled residents.”

Councillors also agreed to spend £275 on 500 basic ultra violet property marking kits which will be handed out at the community safety day at Hainault Fire Station on Saturday.