DNA property marking

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Warning notice on the use of artificial DNA on a railway system

DNA property labeling is a biochemical method that is used for labeling. Here, synthetically produced oligonucleotides ( artificial DNA , kDNA) are used, which are used in a preventive solution in criminalistics and as forensic property marking. Oligonucleotides adhering to the perpetrator or the tools of the crime can be detected even in the smallest quantities and can thus prove the presence of people or objects at a crime scene. Brand names are SelectaDNA and IdentifDNA

properties

Instrument of theft of cables marked with LinkDNA FIMS
Instrument of theft of cables marked with LinkDNA FIMS
kDNA sample in daylight
kDNA sample under UV light

The liquid contains artificially produced oligonucleotides, whereby the uniqueness of each batch is ensured and the user can be traced. The oligonucleotides are detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods . In addition to synthetic DNA, the solution used for marking also contains other additives that can be made visible by means of UV light , e.g. B. Anti-theft ink .

The DNA property tag is also used in the form of microdots. Microdots are small labeled plates with a size of 0.1 to 1 mm, the engraving of which can be read under a microscope. In the case of Microdot liquids, however, there are also those without oligonucleotides. These are also advertised as artificial DNA. In practice, this often leads to misleading, both for the end user and for authorities, since expensive DNA sequencing may be carried out and the PCR determines that it does not contain any DNA at all.

The DNA property marking is primarily used for the purpose of combating crime in property crimes or as catching material when used by the authorities. The aim is to ensure a deterrent effect by clearly linking the stolen property to the owner or the perpetrator to the crime scene.

The options for fighting crime are as follows:

  1. Marking of objects; The marked object can be assigned to the owner through a DNA analysis .
  2. Marking people with a spray device (DNA shower or irritant spray device with DNA additive); all people who go through the door are sprayed in the event of an alarm and must be assigned to the crime scene.
  3. Marking people with "safety fog systems"; the suspect stops the current attack because he can no longer see anything and is simultaneously marked by the fog. If other people are present, they are also clearly linked to the crime scene. The advantage of this system compared to the DNA shower is that the perpetrator is likely to interrupt the act through direct blockage of vision and the natural escape reflex.

Neither the DNA shower nor the safety fog system are sufficient as the sole evidence for a transfer, but rather serve the investigating authorities as an aid or indicator for further investigative approaches. A prevention strategy accompanying the actual application, for example in the form of signs, stickers, etc., is intended to deter offenders from the act as soon as they are about to be inspected.

DNA property marking for forensic purposes was developed in 2004. In a pilot project for Germany, the procedure in Bremen has been used for the first time since October 18, 2009 to protect valuable objects and computers in schools. There, kDNA was tested in 7000 households. There is already several years of experience with this in Great Britain and the Netherlands , where allegedly a reduction in certain offenses of up to 80 percent could be achieved. Critics consider these numbers to be dubious as there is no verifiable statistical analysis.

In mid-November 2011, Deutsche Bahn AG spread the idea of ​​using DNA property markings on their contact lines as a preventive measure against the theft of non-ferrous metal . For the first time, methods are also used here that mark the cable jacket from the outside and, using special instruments, the cable core underneath the jacket itself. This makes it impossible for the potential perpetrator to know whether the cable he is planning to steal is a tagged one or not. The method used was developed by Philipp Cachée and Christian Prüfer and, in this context, was presented to the public for the first time as an application for securing the cables of Deutsche Bahn AG. The procedure is called LinkDNA-FIMS (i.e. Forensic Injection Marking System) - the manufacturer does not provide any further details for "tactical reasons". Another advantage of the hidden process is that the DNA inside the cable jacket is largely protected from mechanical and climatic influences. The first results of the preventive effect are available from Deutsche Bahn AG, which will now expand the area of ​​application. Together with other groups such as Telekom and RWE or the Association of Metal Dealers VDM e. V. a security partnership was founded to jointly fight against the increasing numbers of non-ferrous metal thefts. Energy supply companies such as 50Hertz have also provided all copper cables and copper gutters in the substations with an artificial DNA since 2016.

In the fight against product piracy , several comparable procedures have been in use for years.

reception

In the radio crime scene A clear case from Radio Bremen , John von Düffel first discussed the pros and cons of the method on May 17, 2012 in the radio play .

See also

literature

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Susanne Donner: DNA ink is supposed to deter burglars. In: handelsblatt.com. May 5, 2009. Retrieved October 28, 2009 .
  2. ↑ Transfer artificial DNA particles. N24, January 19, 2012, archived from the original on September 6, 2012 ; Retrieved January 19, 2012 .
  3. ↑ Rose Gerdts-Schiffler: A unique pilot project starts on Monday in Bremen. In: weser-kurier.de. October 16, 2009. Retrieved October 18, 2009 .
  4. ↑ Artificial DNA no longer aborts intruders. In: tagesspiegel.de . Retrieved February 28, 2019 .
  5. ↑ Dirk Asendorpf : The Schnipseljagd . In: Die Zeit , No. 14/2010.
  6. ↑ Artificial DNA against non-ferrous metal thieves - Bahn wants to protect its systems with new technology . ( Memento of the original from December 3, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Leipziger Volkszeitung, November 21, 2011. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / nachrichten.lvz-online.de
  7. ↑ DPMA register .
  8. ↑ Deutsche Bahn relies on artificial DNA - Interview with the forensics laboratory manager at the manufacturer ACTC GmbH ( Memento from November 12, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Leipzig TV, November 21, 2011.
  9. ↑ N24, November 21, 2011: DNA against metal thieves - Bahn marks your cables  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. .@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.n24.de  
  10. Jump up ↑ Thieves with artificial DNA. RWE press office.
  11. ↑ n-tv, Brennpunkt Bahn: Die Hightech Jäger (Youtube)
  12. ↑ Süddeutsche - Corporations fight against metal thieves .
  13. ↑ Julia Winkler: Genetic material protects against product pirates . In: Berliner Zeitung , April 4, 2002.