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 | | Wednesday, 10 October, 2001, 13:35 GMT 14:35 UK Police build DNA dossier  DNA samples will be used to track down petty criminals Police in Leicestershire are expanding the use of DNA samples to track down burglars and car thieves as well as people who commit violent crime. They are using a �355,000 Home Office grant to hire six intelligence officers who will use DNA data to link known criminals to a range of unsolved crimes. DNA samples are often used by forensic scientists in murder cases, but the police are now planning to use the technique to solve burglaries and other common crimes. The police unit will use DNA samples collected from crime scenes to help build up a dossier linking the suspects to other offences.
One suspect has already admitted involvement in 40 crimes after DNA evidence was used to link him to other offences. "Scene of the crime officers collect DNA from fingerprints, blood, saliva and other things left by the offender," said DNA intelligence officer Bob Lilley. The DNA is matched to offenders at a laboratory in Birmingham and the results sent to the Leicestershire officers so they can start building a case. The intelligence officers prepare a package that includes a profile of the offender and any known associates, details of other crimes they have committed, and a list of stolen property. Nose hairs The police hope the new unit will show how DNA samples can be used to solve non-violent crimes. A database of DNA from officers and support staff is also being built up for elimination purposes. Mr Lilley said it was possible their DNA could be left at the scene of a crime by sneezing, coughing or even dropping a nose hair. The Home Office has provided national funding so the police DNA elimination database can be set up. | |    See also: Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top England stories now:  Links to more England stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||
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