Protecting Our Community: Isle of Dogs Police & Local Retailers Join Forces with SelectaDNA

The Isle of Dogs police teams are working closely with local retailers on a new initiative aimed at reducing shoplifting and tackling the sale of stolen goods. By introducing SelectaDNA property‑marking technology across participating shops, officers and businesses are taking a proactive, evidence‑driven approach to crime prevention.

This partnership is already building confidence among retailers and helping ensure that offenders know the Isle of Dogs is not a place to profit from theft.

What Is SelectaDNA?

SelectaDNA is a forensic marking system used worldwide to deter theft and help police trace stolen property or identify offenders. It combines synthetic DNA coding with microdot technology, creating a unique identifier that can be applied to individual products or assets. 

Each marking solution:

SelectaDNA is widely adopted because it not only deters crime but also provides strong forensic evidence linking suspects to crime scenes. Police forces across the UK use it to support successful investigations. 

How Retailers on the Isle of Dogs Are Using It

Local shops participating in the initiative are applying SelectaDNA to high‑value or frequently targeted products. They are also placing visible deterrent labels on marked goods—something proven to make thieves think twice, as offenders know the risk of being caught is significantly higher. 

Retail staff can also use SelectaDNA‑enabled defence sprays in certain circumstances to tag offenders during a theft. These microscopic traces remain detectable long after an incident, allowing police to link a suspect to a specific location. 

By working together, retailers and police are creating an environment where handling or reselling stolen goods becomes increasingly difficult and risky.

Why This Matters for Residents

This initiative isn’t just about supporting businesses—it’s about protecting the whole community.

When stolen goods circulate locally, it fuels further theft, anti‑social behaviour, and organised criminal activity. By making it harder for offenders to profit, we reduce crime overall and create a safer living and shopping environment for everyone.

SelectaDNA has been shown to reduce burglaries and theft by up to 83% in some police projects, demonstrating its effectiveness as a long‑term prevention tool. 

How You Can Help: Spotting and Reporting Suspicious Activity

Residents play a crucial role in keeping the Isle of Dogs safe. You can support the initiative by reporting:

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Your information could help retrieve stolen property or identify those responsible.

You can report suspicions by contacting Police on 101, via Crimestoppers anonymously, or by speaking directly with your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

Working Together for a Safer Isle of Dogs

The partnership between Isle of Dogs police teams and local retailers shows how community‑led policing can make a real difference. SelectaDNA gives businesses and officers powerful tools to deter crime, secure convictions, and protect what matters—while residents play an essential part by staying alert and reporting concerns.

Together, we can make our community a place where criminals know they’re not welcome, and where shoppers and businesses feel safe and supported.