In the run-up to Christmas, police in Liverpool are using a forensic intruder spray to combat acquisitive crime. Merseyside Police’s Operation Aquila is using the SelectaDNA Spray against business robbery.
The DNA spray, which is mounted above doorways, can be triggered manually by a shopkeeper in the event of a raid; or by the thieves, as they force entry into premises. A fine spray is emitted that will stain a criminal’s skin and clothes with a uniquely coded but invisible dye. The spray can be seen under ultraviolet (UV) light in police custody suites. As the slogan tells robbers and burglars, “One spray will put you away”. The same messages will appear on buses and billboards.
Police said last year’s operation saw business robberies in north Liverpool reduced by 52 per cent and in hotspot neighbourhoods by 45pc compared to the year before. House burglaries were also down by around 17pc.
Supt Jenny Sims, who has co-ordinated the operation along with Insp Sue Stribling, said: “With the nights drawing in and with Christmas fast approaching it is important that we do everything we can to protect local businesses from criminals who might be tempted to rob, burgle or steal from them. We also need to help residents know how they can best keep their homes safe and secure so that they do not become a tempting target for opportunistic thieves who spot a downstairs window left open or a back door unlocked.
“Last year we made some really positive inroads in terms of reducing robberies against businesses in north Liverpool by fitting hi-tech security devices in shops such as bookmakers, off-licences, convenience stores and jewellers which are most commonly targeted.
“The most important thing has been spreading the word that any shop might have one or more of these devices fitted and criminals face getting caught if they are foolish enough to try their luck. Used in conjunction with security alarms and responsible cash handling procedures, they have really helped protect businesses by making them unattractive prospects for criminals at a time of year when they might be feeling particularly vulnerable.”
Insp Diane Pownall, neighbourhood inspector for the County Road area, said further reducing business robberies in the area was now the main priority. She said: “County Road is full of family-owned, local businesses providing useful services to so many people in the community so it is vital that the police and council work with them to reduce crime and not let criminals get a foothold.
“This is a close-knit community and when an incident happens at one shop word spreads and that can unsettle many others who understandably worry that they could be next. The feedback from previous victims is that they work hard to make a living and to provide for their family so why should a criminal take that away from them and risk putting them out of business?”
More on the DNA Spray here: https://www.selectadna.co.uk/dna-intruder-sprays.
