OFFICERS from Cheshire Police have launched a new operation to tackle crime around the new A556 Knutsford to Bowdon bypass.

In co-operation with Costain, builders of the new bypass, the operation will aim to protect thousands of residents and businesses in rural Cheshire.

The operation includes marking techniques to link criminals to their crime scenes.

It involves state of the art forensic liquid containing SelectaDNA which is proven to reduce burglaries by up to 85 per cent.

The liquid is unique to each property and can be used to mark belongings so that in the incident of theft, the belongings can be returned to the owner regardless of where it is recovered. The liquid is also barley visible and difficult to remove.

PC Mike Dawber, rural beat officer for Knutsford, said: “This operation demonstrates that the constabulary along with its partners will continue to tackle rural crime in all its forms, and this sends out a clear message that Cheshire will not be a soft touch for criminals.”

The operation is currently rolled out in communities such as High Legh, Tabley, and Mere, adjacent to the new A556 Knutsford to Bowdon bypass.

PC Dawber added: “Knutsford is a very low crime area and this operation will help to make villages safer still and reduce the likelihood of crime further.”

Officers have been visiting addresses across the local area to distribute kits and demonstrate how they work.

Police have been working with Costain, who have provided funding to supply the kits to nearby residents of the bypass.

Chris Burrows, Costain community liaison manager for the A556 Knutsford to Bowdon project, said: “Costain are very pleased to be actively involved with the Cheshire constabulary initiative and assisting with something that will have long lasting benefits to the local community.”