SelectaDNA Technology Deployed to Tackle Shop Theft and Violence Across North Lincolnshire

A new crime prevention initiative in North Lincolnshire is set to strengthen the fight against shop theft, serious violence and assaults, through the deployment of advanced forensic marking technology from SelectaDNA.

The programme, delivered through the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in collaboration with Humberside Police and funded by the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, marks a significant step forward in protecting retailers, businesses and the night-time economy.

Building on the success of the Safer Nights initiative, which has supported venues across Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton for over two years, this latest phase introduces proven forensic tools designed to deter offenders, support policing efforts and improve community safety.

A Proven Deterrent Against Crime

At the heart of the initiative is SelectaDNA’s unique forensic marking system. Each solution contains a synthetic DNA code that is registered to a specific location or owner, enabling police to link individuals or property directly back to a crime scene. The presence of SelectaDNA is widely recognised as a powerful deterrent. Clear warning signage alone has been shown to discourage offending behaviour, turning protected businesses into harder targets.

By combining prevention and detection, the technology provides both an immediate and long-term impact on crime reduction.

Supporting Retailers with Property Marking Technology

Retailers across North Lincolnshire are being equipped with SelectaDNA property marking kits to protect high-value and high-risk goods.

Items can be marked with an invisible forensic solution containing unique identifiers. If stolen goods are later recovered, police can quickly confirm ownership, enabling faster returns and strengthening evidence for prosecution.

This approach not only reduces the likelihood of theft but also supports successful outcomes when crimes do occur.

Enhancing Safety in the Night-Time Economy

In the night-time economy, door staff and security teams are being provided with SelectaDNA defence sprays - a highly effective tool for addressing violence and disorder.

In the event of an incident, the spray marks an offender with a forensic DNA solution that is invisible to the naked eye but remains on skin and clothing for weeks. When suspects enter police custody, UV detection methods can reveal the marker, providing clear forensic evidence that links individuals to incidents.

This capability is helping to deter violent behaviour and de-escalate incidents while giving frontline teams greater confidence in managing risk.

Advanced Search Capabilities Driving Faster Evidence Recovery

A key component of the SelectaDNA offering is its specialist search dog capability. Trained dogs can detect even minute traces of forensic marking on items, significantly reducing the time required for police searches. This enables officers to locate critical evidence more efficiently, improving operational effectiveness and supporting investigations.

Partnership Approach to Safer Communities

The initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of North Lincolnshire CSP and its partners - including North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, the National Probation Service and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board - to work collaboratively in tackling crime and improving public safety.

Visible deployment of SelectaDNA across shops and venues will reinforce this message, demonstrating a proactive approach to crime prevention and community protection.

Protecting Businesses and Strengthening Policing

With continued investment in technology-led solutions, SelectaDNA is playing a key role in helping businesses safeguard their assets, supporting police investigations, and creating safer environments for staff and customers alike.

As the initiative rolls out across North Lincolnshire, it sends a clear message to offenders: there is nowhere to hide.