Lichfield BID in Staffordshire is the first Business Improvement District to use a new DNA offender marking spray to deter robberies and ‘smash and grab’ by travelling criminal groups against member jewellery stores.
Safer City Services, the crime reduction arm of Lichfield BID, has launched a ShopSafe scheme across its jewellery stores, whose staff were trained in carrying the compact, handheld DNA sprays to protect themselves and retail stock.
The SelectaDNA Defence Spray, which is Secured by Design accredited having achieved Police Preferred Specification, can discreetly tag and identify an offender without the need for physical intervention. It sprays the offender with an invisible solution of synthetic DNA code and UV marker that clings to skin and clothing for days, weeks or even months. When an offender is arrested, police can use an ultraviolet (UV) light to locate marked areas, immediately linking them to the crime scene. This can lead to their arrest and conviction.
Many of Lichfield’s jewellers also operate in the Jewellery Quarter in central Birmingham, where there is a known higher risk of shop theft.
Brendon Stewart, Supervising BID Support Officer, Safer City Services, Lichfield BID, said: “We have had a very positive reception from our jewellery store members during the ShopSafe rollout. Stores are definitely feeling more confident now they have the added protection of the defence sprays and once they have applied the visible deterrent warning signs to their windows and doorways.
“Lichfield BID hope this initiative triggers other BIDs across the country to consider SelectaDNA as a recommended crime prevention partner.”
The SelectaDNA Defence Spray from Selectamark is already being used by a sports fashion retailer and at Liverpool football club on match days. Visit www.selectamark.co.uk.
