Cheshire Stores Install Intruder Sprays to Combat Retail Theft

Cheshire Constabulary’s Operation Sheild initiative is providing local businesses with SelectaDNA intruder sprays to uniquely combat crime.

Operation Sheild aims to uniquely inform and educate residents and retailers on crime prevention and to deter offenders from committing burglary or serious and acquisitive crime.

The Intruder Spray kits have been funded by Cheshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, who said: “Preventing and tackling crime is a priority in the Police and Crime Plan, so I’m delighted to support the next phase of Operation Shield in helping to identify and deter the criminals who target shops and other commercial premises.

“SelectaDNA has proven extremely useful in getting criminals off our streets and recovering stolen property. Using it in this way to target people intending to commit burglary or robbery sends a clear message that Cheshire is a hostile environment for anyone who comes here to commit crime.”

SelectaDNA Intruder Spray kits have been used as part of this initiative in the hope that the high-risks associated with being sprayed by one of these units will reduce the levels of retail crime in Cheshire.

The spray kits activate when unlawful entry into a building takes place, by linking into the intruder alarm system or as a stand-alone panic button activated system. Activation of this spray kit results in the deployment of a colourless solution which contains a DNA code and UV tracer which is unique to the canister that has been activated.

Officers are trained to routinely check for UV on clothing and skin of possible offenders which directly links the offender to the crime.

Chief Inspector Duncan Gouck, the Force Lead for Operation Shield, said: “The SelectaDNA Intruder Spray is a fantastic commercial burglary and robbery deterrent, and an ideal way for premises in Cheshire to protect their valuable stock and assets.

“We know that robbery is a distressing crime leaving people feeling violated in their own place of work, and that theft can be extremely damaging to people’s businesses.

“These devices will help to ensure people feel safe but also should deter offenders from committing these crimes in shop premises.

“Obviously, not every shop in Cheshire will be fitted with one, but offenders won’t know which ones do and they run the risk of being marked with the liquid in any shops that they choose to target.

“They also won’t know the liquid is on them and they will find it incredibly difficult to remove – making it easier for officers to detect them.

“We hope it acts as a deterrent by creating a hostile environment for offenders choosing to commit crime in Cheshire.”