British sportswear giant JD Sports is stepping up its security game in response to a surge in shoplifting incidents. Teaming up with forensic security firm SelectaDNA, the retailer is set to deploy tagging sprays across its stores as a proactive measure. These sprays work by leaving behind a unique synthetic DNA and UV marker, aiding in the identification of both stolen property and criminals involved in theft. This approach aims to combat the rising trend of “steaming,” where organized groups target stores, intimidate staff, and make off with valuable merchandise.
Ian Williams, JD Sports’ head of retail profit and asset protection for the UK and Ireland, emphasized the need for a robust solution amidst the escalating retail crime landscape. “Criminals continue to evolve, but forensic marking takes things to another level, offering a deterrent that even the most seasoned criminal can’t evade,” he said.
JD Sports remains committed to exploring novel security strategies to safeguard its staff and assets. Williams highlighted the value of SelectaDNA’s approach in disrupting criminal activities, underscoring its endorsement by law enforcement agencies nationwide. The move comes in the wake of alarming statistics revealing a record-high number of shoplifting incidents in England and Wales, emphasizing the urgency for proactive security measures in the retail sector.
