Security System Sprays Intruders with Synthetic DNA

Security System Sprays Intruders with Synthetic DNA

Just when I thought I had seen it all, Subway, the “eat fresh” restaurant, is deploying a new type of security system in its thousands of franchisees across the nation. All I can say is: bring your umbrella!

Dubbed the Intruder Security System by SelectaDNA, a mechanism sits above the door, lying in wait for a robbery or violent crime. “Something,” (I assume this is top secret information) trips the mechanism and it releases a stream of traceable, synthetic DNA that supposedly lands on the perpetrator or offender. That person is then considered “marked” and will glow under ultraviolet light for up to 7 weeks. Oh and don’t worry; this “intruder spray” is shower-proof, so no matter how many times the perp bathes, apparently, he or she is stuck with it.

Each Subway location will have its own unique DNA code to mark and trace property and criminals in addition to warning signs to place in the windows and around the property. These signs are said to act as deterrents to would-be criminals.

As a side note, I came up with a similar idea when I taught: the “germ mister.” Simply place it above a door and as people walk through the door a mist of germ killer would rain down on the person, killing harmful germs. No more outbreaks of strep throat! Hmmm, I can actually see my idea coming to fruition. Maybe Shark Tank is in my future.

Image: JStone / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

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