INCREASING DNA matches, including one from an sock, are helping police arrest more suspects.

The number of profiles held on the South Australian DNA database was almost 90,000 as of November 30 , up from 71,692 at June 30, 2010.

During 2010-11, DNA samples successfully contributed to 777 police investigations, up from 679 in 2009-10.

Police use a mouth swab to collect DNA samples from any person suspected of committing a serious offence - in accordance with the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Act - which can then be matched against DNA retrieved from crime scenes.

In the latest DNA match to assist an investigation, police arrested a man on Thursday in relation to a break-in and theft at a Melrose Park home in September He allegedly left a sock at the scene.

DNA found on the sock matched that of an 18-year-old man who was arrested and charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass and theft. It will be alleged the suspect broke into the house about 10.40pm on September 21 last year. He fled, leaving the sock behind, after the occupant of the house confronted him in the kitchen.

The man was remanded in custody to appear in the Holden Hill Magistrates Court in May.

A DNA match also led to the arrest of a man on Thursday in relation to a rape that occurred in Berri almost 25 years ago. Riverland Crime Investigation Branch detectives arrested the Berri man, 58, and charged him with one count of breaking into a premises and one count of rape, alleged to have occurred in 1988.

The arrest was the result of a re-examination of the cold case and forensic evidence, including DNA, police said.

SA Police DNA Management Unit officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Phil Hanley said a growing database of DNA profiles and improving technology was assisting the fight on crime.

Continued here:
DNA socking it to crime