Victorian homeowners are being encouraged to stamp their valuables with a unique "synthetic DNA" as part of a six-month trial to deter crooks and make it easier to return stolen goods.
Under the trial residents of 1000 homes in the suburbs of Geelong and Whittlesea will be encouraged to mark their valuables - including technology equipment and jewellery - with the coded DNA liquid.
If a marked item is stolen and recovered police will be able to use an ultraviolet lamp to find the liquid which will link the item back to its registered owner.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the technology is a deterrent to thieves.
"This pilot is an Australian first, however the technology has already been utilised by police in the UK and New Zealand where it helped achieve significant reductions in burglary offences," she said.
Geelong and Whittlesea were chosen for the trial as they have some of the highest recorded incidents of residential burglaries in Victoria, the assistant commissioner said.
Up to 50 valuables can be marked and then registered to people living in the house.
The kits will be distributed in August.
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