JD Sports partners with SelectaDNA in fight against retail crime

With 1,300 daily incidents of violence against retail staff, and 16.7 million incidents of shoplifting reported in 2023, many retailers are having to proactively seek solutions to combat rising crime. Not only can these incidents be distressing for retail staff and customers, but stores are also losing millions in high-value stock.

As part of new crime prevention measures, JD Sports has partnered with forensic security company SelectaDNA to roll-out SelectaDNA Tagging Sprays nationally across its stores.

SelectaDNA is a forensic marking system, which uses unique synthetic DNA and a UV marker to ‘tag’ property and criminals. This DNA can then link assets to owners and criminals to crime scenes.

Members of JD Sports’ staff have been trained to use the Tagging Sprays at the SelectaDNA headquarters in Greater London. The training session was led by Clair Frame, SelectaDNA’s retail crime prevention specialist.

SelectaDNA Tagging Spray can be used by trained members of staff to tag offenders with a forensic ID code registered to JD Sports. Not only does this remove the need for physical intervention, but it also affords the police service a valuable tool that can help track down suspects and link them directly to a crime scene.

Deterrent effect

“Given the pressures exerted due to rising retail crime,” explained Clair Frame, “many retailers are seeking assistance from security partners in a bid to protect their stores, while increasing the risk of detection is crucial in deterring thieves from shoplifting.”

Frame continued: “This partnership with JD Sports marks a great step forward in helping to protect the retailer’s staff, property and premises.”

Ian Williams, head of retail profit and asset protection for the UK and Ireland at JD Sports, noted: “We needed a solution to act as a deterrent against criminality, but also support the likelihood of positive arrests in what remains a challenging climate. Criminals continue to evolve with every enhancement made in the security industry. However, forensic marking takes things to another level, which even the most seasoned criminal cannot evade.”

Williams added: “We continually look for new and innovative ways in which to support our colleagues and disrupt criminals. SelectaDNA offers something different in the fight against retail crime. By adopting this product, we hope to witness a reduction in crime and the creation of a safer working environment, while also supporting the police to achieve more successful convictions.”