IN A first for regional NSW, criminals will no longer feel safe as new DNA technology helps authorities put them behind bars.
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The innovative technology known as the DNA Guardian is set to revolutionise crime prevention in Dubbo, after it was installed at Club Dubbo and convenience store Lucky 7 yesterday.
It is the first time this kind of technology has been implemented in regional NSW.
DNA Security Solutions, based in Adelaide, specialises in criminal marking systems. When a DNA Guardian unit is installed within a premises, it can immediately pick up on when a crime occurs.
Business development worker Jeffre Murray explained how sterile water could help identify a criminal with one simple spray.
“When a DNA Guardian unit is installed in a pub or shop, crime can easily be picked up. The unit is triggered when a theft occurs, and sprays the criminal with sterile water, marking them as they leave the premises,” Mr Murray said.
DNA workers and business owners, he said, would immediately receive a text message informing them of the crime. Once it is brought to their attention, they can then view CCTV footage, get a clearer idea of what the criminal looks like, and help police track them down.
“Once police are notified, they only have to shine a forensic blue light on criminals to match their DNA with what was found at the scene of the crime, and formally identify them as the responsible party,” Mr Murray said.
He said he had notified members of Dubbo Police before his arrival to Dubbo, who were quite impressed with the DNA equipment.
An example of the device’s success came in the form of an armed hold-up at a Melbourne hotel last week. Mr Murray said the criminals’ reaction of the device was most interesting.
“Three men armed with shotguns pulled up outside a Melbourne hotel after closing time, and saw one of our DNA warning signs. Each man held a gun, and together looked up the DNA Guardian on their iPhones. They later left the premises and robbed a pub two kilometres away,” he said.
A DNA warning sign has been issued outside the Club Dubbo and Lucky 7, warning potential offenders of the hidden DNA Guardian units inside the premises.
Orana Local Area Command Inspector Brad Johnston said anything that would help prevent crime was welcome in Dubbo.
“If it achieves what it sets out to, Dubbo Police will be most pleased. We encourage people to take extra measures to improve their security,” he said.
Club Dubbo secretary manager Rodney Firth said staff and patron protection was the main reason why he decided to contact DNA Security Solutions.
“We’ve had a few near-misses with crime, and a lot of people were under extreme stress. So we decided to adopt a proactive approach to safety, and help prevent crime,” he said.
anthony.cini@ruralpress.com
