My first ever job was at KFC in Merrylands, Sydney. I was back home at Christmas and shocked that they’ve now got bank-style anti-theft barriers. But after only just hearing McDonalds in the same suburb was held up twice while I was in the US covering CES, I can now see why. I also get why Maccas is following the lead of McDonalds Netherlands and using an identifiable DNA-based spray that soaks criminals as they flee the store.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen this in Australia, either — Angus & Coote Jewellery stores employed the technology last year. For its part, McDonalds is trialling SelectaDNA’s invisible and odourless forensic marking spray in their busiest NSW stores. If the system is a success as a deterrent or in catching thieves (using a UVA light police can find markings unique to each store), then it will be rolled out nationwide.
This whole thing gets my head racing. It reminds me of the trouble I got into when I was younger, and that when you think about it, we’re already living in the future. Sometimes you just need to take a step back to realise it.
SelectaDNA says that: Although invisible and harmless, the UV and DNA will remain on an offender for weeks – clinging to fibres and sitting in creases of the skin. It is virtually impossible to remove every trace of SelectaDNA and each trace links criminals to the crimes they commit. Police scan criminals regularly for DNA forensic traces on entry into custody suites making SelectaDNA one of the most effective crime deterents available today.
Telextial
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 2:58 PMWhy DNA-based? What’s so special about it as opposed to any other ink?
MrTaco
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 3:20 PMI guess it would tie one particular glowing person to one particular store’s DNA code?
Guess you’d better take an umbrella to Maccas now.
IanM
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 3:20 PMYou can obtain its unique sequence. It won’t be on you unless you were in close proximity to the theft.
HP
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 3:20 PMHow the system triggered? If manually ain’t it make the employee in more dangerous position? If automatically how it will distinguish the criminal?
Paul
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 3:59 PMId say it’s automatic. By itself I’m sure it won’t uniquely ID a criminal as it would likely reach others in the general area. But combined with camera footage, witness statements and good old fashioned policing, it would be pretty damning evidence.
MD
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 4:27 PMI suppose that if you are the next in line and get sprayed, the video camera will show that you weren’t the person with the Gun…. But it will show that you were in the store at the time ,therefore a “Person of interest” to the police, the”Assist them with the investigation”, but “Not a suspect in the case” . Euphemisms used as often for the felon as for the innocent bystander.
MDolley
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 6:02 PMI am I the only person concerned that this is actually Ronald McDonald semen?
Cameron
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 6:39 PMDon’t be silly, why would they waste Big Mac special sauce on criminals?
Matttm
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 6:27 PMI worked in that McDonalds store for a year and a bit, 9 years ago. It was robbed once during the time I was there but I wasn’t working that shift. Protocol is that you would just do what the robbers say. Remember that the workers of these fast food places are usually 14-20, so I am for anything to deter having a gun or knife being pointed at these kids.
In regards to when the spray is released.. I would assumed it would be let go at the exit as the robbers are leaving the premises. I’m sure there would be a trigger out at the front and in the back office. These crims know they have to get away quickly and wouldnt really care about a manager pressing a button as they are trying to get away
JonBOY
Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 8:15 PMSo the next time I’m at a rave and the guy next to is covered in spots of fluorescent dye I should make a citizens arrest?!
…..wait, everybody at rave is covered in fluorescent crap!
Jay
Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 5:13 PMyes, everyone is covered in fluorescent dye that is invisible to the naked eye. listen to the video before making smart alec comments
Matt L
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 10:51 AMRead his comment before making do gooder responses.
FluorphoreOholic
Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 3:11 PMIs it actually DNA? Must be labeled with something if its fluorescing under UV. I thought those dyes were toxic? Maybe its some other cool tech at play. Oh well – crime doesn’t pay!
Ash
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 9:36 AMCan I get some sprayed on my burger and fries please? Mmmmm………DNA.
chugs
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 10:49 AMyeah the cops are going to send DNA to a lab for testing on a $50 theft.
Mhewy
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 3:22 PMUnfortunately, this is going to be one of those things that will deter people from entering into a store (I will be deterred), instead they will shop online and the retail industry will suffer even more so that the police have an easier job. Isnt it an invasion of privacy to taint a potentially innocent persons skin with a dye they cannot remove. What if they have allergic reaction?