Being able to get one up on potential burglars is a good feeling, says Evan Lockington, a resident of Viscount St, Mangere.
The 29-year-old has lived in the area all his life and says seeing crime happening in his neighbourhood has never been a good feeling.
"I guess it's just down to pure silliness. It's mainly the younger generation - just bored, with nothing to do and so they go and do stupid things. There's been a lot of crime over the years."
A police initiative launched last year - Operation Safe as Houses - has given residents a chance to fight back. Mr Lockington is the co-ordinator at the Viscount Community House, a drop-in centre for locals.
He said when the SelectaDNA marking tools were distributed last year, everyone started talking about them and making sure they were used.
