DNA Spray: A New Way to Find Robbers

After a local McDonald’s was burglarized a few years ago, a new type of security system was installed. Like any other security system, it alerts police to a crime scene in progress. What makes this security system different is that it causes a spray of fine, barely visible mist covered with synthetic DNA to cover anyone in its path such as criminals. This particular mist contains DNA markers particular to the location of the crime, which allows for easier identification of the burglar. The DNA material is identical to human DNA with slight changes in the sequence of components. The way the security system is activated is through certain cash being pulled from a register  whether it is from an employee  activating the system or a burglar attempting to steal cash.

Thanks to the developers, two brothers who are both a policeman and chemist, there has been a decline in crime rates. A part of the reason why that crime rate has gone down is because stores like McDonalds flaunt the fact that they use DNA spray. Stores like McDonald’s keep signs in front of their doors warning upcoming thieves of the spray by saying “You Steal, You’re Marked.” A part of that reason is because most people do not understand how the DNA works. In this particular McDonalds, the spray system is kept in an orange box over the entrance. People cannot see it, smell it or are even aware that the spray exists.

Although the spray is helping to decrease crime rates, there are still some problems to be worked out. Some of the employees have accidentally activated the system causing the spray to affect customers. This could potentially cause some people to be wrongly accused of a crime. Another problem is the fact that it consumes a lot of money which causes an increase in spending for local stores. Regardless of the problems, the DNA spray is a good step in making a difference in lowering crime as well as making an improvement in security systems.