Home forensics kits are being given to burglary victims in Hainault and Barkingside.
But some councillors suggested the property marking kits are coming to late to people who are already victims of crime.
Sgt Dave Lucy told Redbridge Council’s area committee three that the “Selecta DNA” packages enable stolen property to be traced back to owners.
But Cllr Ann Candy (Cons, Fullwell) likened the move to “locking the door after the horse has bolted”.
The committee paid for hundreds of the kits, which are being distributed through Barkingside and Hainault.
Police figures presented to the meeting at the Hainault Forest Community Association, in Manford Way, showed burglaries in the area are falling.
Other crimes, including muggings, are on the up.
More reports on the website later.
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