Towergate Insurance is giving all static caravan and leisure
home policyholders DNA marker kits when they renew or take out a
policy.
The kits contain a unique forensically-coded, water-based
adhesive, which when dabbed onto a holiday home chassis and
possessions dries clear.
Because every kit has a unique code, registered to one person,
any stolen items retrieved by the police can easily be identified
using ultra-violet light. The items are then checked via a
microscope and reunited, using a web database, with their
owner.
Also included is a warning sign, advising would-be thieves that
the static caravan or leisure home and its contents are
forensically protected.
According to Offenders Perspective research undertaken by
Professor Martin Gill from the University of Leicester, displaying
a warning sign and using a forensic coding system are a strong
deterrent.
In a survey of 101 offenders, 91% of respondents were aware of
forensic coding and its ability to link criminals to a crime scene
and property with its owner, and 74% said they would abandon their
plans to break into a building if a warning sign was on
display.
Furthermore, they ranked forensic coding as the most effective
security measure, ahead of police patrols, ink-dye tags, CCTV and
intruder alarms.
Forensic coding kits are already used by motorcycle, church and
home insurers, but this is the first time they have been given away
to static caravan and leisure home owners.
Towergate’s Leisure Division Managing Director, Simon Townsend,
comments: "Insurers are generally called upon to support people
after a theft has taken place; however we’re keen to help
policyholders prevent break-ins from happening in the first place
and avoid the emotional distress, inconvenience and trauma caused
by a theft."
Echoing these sentiments, Hugo Jacobs, Managing Director of
forensic coding provider, Lumley Jacobs, said: "As DNA evidence is
irrefutable, these kits are an effective criminal deterrent and
help reduce the likelihood of theft. It’s a simple thing to provide
for customers, yet can make a huge difference to property
security."
Notes to Editors
Towergate Insurance is a leading provider of caravan and park
home cover - the business has over 40 years experience in this
sector and actively supports the communities it insures.
At the 2011 British Insurance awards, the firm was a finalist in
the Personal Lines Provider of the Year category.
It is part of the Towergate Partnership - Europe's largest
independently-owned insurance intermediary offering over 200
specialist insurance products and employing more than 4000 people
in 100 offices.
Media Enquiries
Mike Evemy, Marketing Director, Towergate Insurance, T: 01242
538458, M: 07725 576379 or E: mike.evemy@towergate.co.uk
Francesca Breeze, Freelance Journalist/PR Consultant, T: 01273
421115, M: 07710 963838 or E: Francesca.breeze1@ntlworld.com
