Tackling Burglary and Anti-Social Behaviour with Innovative DNA Technology

This week I met with PC Simon Dooley and officers from Greater Manchester Police to hear about an exciting new tool being introduced locally to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour – SelectaDNA.

SelectaDNA is a cutting-edge forensic marking system that can be used in two different ways to keep people and their property safe.

Firstly, residents are being offered free SelectaDNA kits to mark their valuables with a unique DNA code. This invisible solution means that if an item is stolen, the police can quickly identify and return it to its rightful owner. Just as importantly, burglars know that DNA-marked property makes it far more likely they’ll be caught – which is why the technology is already proven to help reduce break-ins.

Secondly, GMP’s Road Policing Unit has begun a six-month trial of a new DNA ‘tagging spray’. This spray can be used by officers against criminals who are riding off-road bikes, mopeds or scooters, and who often cause distress to local residents. If officers cannot safely pursue a rider, they can use the spray instead. The DNA solution is invisible to the naked eye but glows under UV light and clings to clothing and skin for months, providing forensic evidence that directly links offenders to specific crimes.

This approach has already been used successfully in other parts of the country, leading to more convictions and giving police an additional tool to deal with anti-social behaviour.

During my meeting, I pressed GMP on the need to tackle incidents that residents raise with me time and again – particularly groups of young people riding motorbikes and e-bikes in a threatening way through our communities. This behaviour makes people feel unsafe and undermines confidence in our neighbourhoods.

It is encouraging to see Greater Manchester Police trialling new methods and investing in innovative approaches like SelectaDNA. Alongside existing tools such as body-worn cameras, this technology has the potential to deter crime, catch offenders, and help return stolen items to their owners.

I will continue working closely with local police to ensure residents feel safer and that we tackle crime and anti-social behaviour head-on.