Shop owners trained in using ‘self-defence spray’ across Tuebrook

In a bid to protect Liverpool shop owners and tackle serious violence, officers have been out and about providing them with DNA self-defence spray.

Inspector Andy Lloyd said: “People that commit a crime don’t want to be caught, it’s as simple as that. Unfortunately for them, this DNA spray, which is colourless and odourless, can be traceable for months - meaning that no amount of showering will remove it for a prolonged period of time. So, we can still trace the offenders long after the crime has been committed!”

A number of shop owners have been provided with the spray which, when sprayed directly at the offender, covers them in a unique DNA formula used to link them to a specific crime.

The need for shop owners to be provided with this spray follows a number of proactive policing days of action in the area where weapons have been seized and public concerns have been raised to us. These concerns have highlighted the need for a further focus on possible deterrent measures that can be put in place to stop crime being committed in the first place and to identify those that have been involved in crime.  

The DNA spray itself clings to creases in the skin, on clothing and in hair. Officers are also permitted to routinely scan those that have been arrested for traces of the spray which, if found, will then be used to link them to a crime scene.  

Signage has also been provided to shop owners to display, again acting as a deterrent to anyone that was thinking of committing a crime.

Insp Lloyd continued: “Tackling serious violence is an ongoing battle but we are taking one step at a time to reduce this as much as possible.

“We are working closely with the public who may be at risk of a personal attack or criminal behaviour. I therefore hope the provision of this deterrent equipment puts offenders off committing a crime and allows shop owners to feel slightly safer knowing they have the additional means to protect themselves and identify offenders.

“In the future, I hope to see more shop owners across Merseyside using these sprays as well as implementing alarm systems or panic buttons for example. Alongside this, our officers will continue to work with them and support their needs to ensure they feel safe and secure in their homes and places of work.”

Anyone that would like to report a crime should get in touch by calling 101, reporting online or via social media. In an emergency, always call 999.