Forensic Marketing Technology Captures Evidence in Albany Jewelry Store Heist: Becomes First Case in Northeastern US to Utilize SelectaDNA

ALBANY — Shepherd Communication & Security, a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for electronic and specialty security systems, and CSI Protect, the exclusive U.S. distributor of SelectaDNA forensic marketing and technology, has announced the first successful use of synthetic forensic technology as a crime-fighting tool in the Northeastern United States. 

Deploying innovative SelectaDNA technology, synthetic DNA evidence was captured following an April 23 larceny at Truman Jewelers at 71 North Pearl Street in downtown Albany. In that incident, a suspect made off with approximately $4,000 in merchandise. Unbeknownst to him, he was “misted” by a forensic Criminal Tagging System, which had been installed at the store by Shepherd Communication & Security as part of a pilot crime suppression initiative. 

The forensic marking, or synthetic DNA, is applied covertly using a water-based, non-toxic solution that is invisible and remains on a suspect’s skin or clothing for months after being misted, enabling authorities to scientifically and irrefutably identify them long after a crime is committed. In this case, after the alleged perpetrator was apprehended by Albany Police, forensic mist was detected on his person using a special frequency UV light. The evidence is now available to prosecutors as the case proceeds through the legal system. 

“As a downtown business owner for over three decades, I’m committed to creating a safe and secure environment in which my customers can shop and my staff can work with peace of mind,” said Paul Crabbe, Owner of Truman Jewelers. “This technology provides an added layer of protection and combined with our proactive policies and the professional work of our law enforcement agencies, ensures we can focus on doing business and contributing to our community.” 

Each unit of SelectaDNA contains a unique forensic code associated with a specific location, which can scientifically connect a criminal to a particular crime scene. The Criminal Tagging System can be activated in numerous ways, including a panic button, money clip, remote video monitoring, intrusion and access control systems and sensors. 

SelectaDNA forensic marketing technology has been used in more than 30 countries over the past decade, but only recently made its way to the United States. The system at Truman Jewelers is the first in the Northeast,, but is expected to be joined in short order by entities ranging from retailers to financial institutions seeking to elevate their safety and security protocols.