A SUBWAY sandwich shop in Knoxville, Tennessee, is the first US business to use the SelectaDNA Intruder Spray System. That’s a security device that sprays robbers with synthetic DNA.
As part of a new crime prevention partnership with the Knoxville Police Department (KPD), the spray has been installed above an entry point of the shop and equipped with a unique synthetic DNA code. The spray installation is the latest crime reduction tool to be deployed by the KPD as a test. It follows their recent distribution of a linked product – the SelectaDNA home property marking kit – to local residents in target areas to reduce domestic burglary.
The success of the residential scheme attracted the sandwich franchise to install the new spray to help protect employees and offer reassurance to locals. KPD Deputy Chief Gary Holliday said: “It’s another tool in our tool bag to help fight crime, especially violent crime, which is what a robbery is.”
The traceable substance can be sprayed onto suspected thieves as they enter or exit the premises, linking them to the scene of the crime. Although invisible and harmless, the DNA will remain traceable for weeks, its makers say.
The spray was developed in Europe by security company Selectamark, producers of the SelectaDNA range of forensic property marking products, which have been put into use in 30 countries in Europe and Australia.
McDonald’s restaurants across Australia have deployed this synthetic DNA product and, as a result, have reduced crime and instances of anti-social behaviour the restaurant chain reports.
Along with installation of the system, theft-deterrent signs are placed around the premises warning customers that this technology is in use. The spray has also been deployed by all BNZ banks in New Zealand where it has helped to convict robbers.
