The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside has provided funding for the use of innovative technology to help tackle shop theft and violence across North Lincolnshire.
The funding has paved the way for a partnership between Humberside Police and SelectaDNA – a forensic technology which directly links offenders to crime scenes and acts as a deterrent as well as significantly aiding the identification of perpetrators.
Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “At the OPCC, we are pleased to provide funding for SelectaDNA which we are convinced will help reassure and empower those working in North Lincolnshire’s retail and night-time economy sectors.
“We have listened to concerns regarding shop theft and violent incidents and are determined to help stamp out the problems in order to make our streets safer and more welcoming as we build on the success of the Safer Nights initiative.
“This fantastic technology means there is nowhere to hide for those committing these crimes and its presence in our shops and venues should make them think twice before doing so.
“I look forward to hearing the results in the coming months.”
The SelectaDNA technology uses synthetic DNA delivered through property marking and spray systems.
For example, door staff at participating venues will be provided with spray devices which release a solution containing a UV tracer and a DNA code unique to each premises. This solution is invisible and harmless and can remain on skin, hair and clothing for several weeks meaning offenders can be irrefutably linked to the scene of crime.
Retail premises will be provided with property marking kits for high-risk and high-value items. Invisible gel containing unique microdots allows for the recovery of stolen property and deters theft as well as providing strong forensic evidence to support successful prosecutions. Signage in shops and venues will act as a strong deterrent.
The introduction of SelectaDNA is the next step in keeping North Lincolnshire communities safe following the success of the Safer Nights initiative which has seen staff at night-time economy venues in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton receive training to support safety initiatives such as Ask for Angela, Bystander Training and the WalkSafe personal safety app.
The OPCC is a member of the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership – along with North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board – which works to build safer communities and reduce crime in the area.
