DNA technology is protecting school property thanks to the BNZ Safer Schools initiative.

The unique programme, launched last month, provides property-marking kits to every primary, intermediate and secondary school in the Waikato District.

Acting assistant commissioner Bill Searle and David Morrissey from SelectaDNA try out the marking pen.

This is the second time the programme has run, with a previous campaign contributing to promising results in school-related burglaries.

The latest initiative brings together the Bank of New Zealand, Ministry of Education, Crimestoppers NZ and SelectaDNA, working alongside police to help prevent crime.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Districts Bill Searle, who represented police at the launch in Hamilton, was heartened by the partnerships behind the initiative.

'Theft of school property disrupts our children's education and diverts funds from more productive activity when equipment has to be replaced or damage repaired, meaning the whole school community is victimised.

'Police wants fewer victims. We want to reduce offending and make everyone in our society feel safer, but we can't do it alone. It's great to see community partners coming together in initiatives which contribute to our key objectives.”

Over the next two years all New Zealand schools will receive a BNZ Safer Schools Pack, including a SelectaDNA property marking pen which uses a non-toxic, water-based solution that glows blue under UV light, making it easier to identify stolen item.