Two new products that use DNA spray technology to link looters, burglars or smash-and-grab raiders to the scene of the crime are being deployed in high street shops and convenience stores in the wake of the recent UK riots.
The SelectaDNA Intruder Spray and the hand-held SelectaDNA Defence Spray are being used by retailers to protect themselves, premises and stock from burglary and raids. Both products are produced by Kent-based security company Selectamark (www.selectadna.co.uk) and have ACPO-approved Secured by Design accreditation.
The intruder spray has already been used to ward off criminals from jewellery stores and petrol stations in the UK. It was also installed at a store belonging to a high street pharmacy chain that had previously been broken into six times in one month. More than six months after installation, there have been zero break-ins reported.
The intruder spray works by emitting a burst of forensic DNA solution when an offender forces entry into premises, marking them with an invisible and harmless, synthetic spray that stays on skin and clothing for up to three weeks, and provides legal evidence that can link the criminal to the break-in. Police routinely scan for traces of the marking product in custody suites, and if they find it, it can help police to obtain a conviction. Police often know who the offenders are, but donโt have evidence to convict them or link them to the crime. DNA is that link.
The spray can be integrated into an existing shop alarm system or run stand-alone with its own panic button. Warning signs and window stickers are supplied to alert potential criminals that the system is in use and to dissuade them from targeting the protected premises.
The SelectaDNA Defence Spray is a compact, handheld spray that can be used to prevent and deter personal attack. It is the company says suitable for use by shopkeepers, security guards, lone workers and police officers on neighbourhood patrol.
It can be operated with one hand, using a thumb or forefinger to press down on the canister which then directly sprays the attacker/offender with synthetic DNA spray that marks skin and clothing in the same way as the intruder spray.
Andrew Knights, Managing Director of Selectamark said: โIn these worrying trading times, our SelectaDNA spray products give shopkeepers and retailers in vulnerable areas added protection and peace of mind. If the worst does happen and a looter or burglar enters the premises by force, they will be sprayed with the DNA which links them instantly to the crime scene.
โHowever, as SelectaDNA is a highly effective deterrent it is extremely likely that any offender would flee as soon as they are sprayed, as the DNA fear-factor among criminals is high.โ
