SelectaDNA is a forensic property marking system used as part of crime prevention strategies for businesses and residential properties.

The SelectaDNA is a range of property and offender marking products combining synthetic DNA coding with microdot technology. Each SelectaDNA kit has sufficient fluid to mark up to 50-60 items or parts of an item such as a car. Both the fluid and the microdots carry a unique code which the owner has to register in a database to which the police has access. In case of theft and the police recovering the item, it can be traced back to its owner. A code found on an asset or person can be deciphered by a molecular genetic laboratory and identified back to a specific owner or location. The fluid is almost invisible, does no damage to the property and only becomes visible in ultraviolet light. Also, dogs can be trained to sniff SelectaDNA marked items, as demonstrated by an initiative run by Wiltshire Police in cooperation with Search Dogs UK in July 2022.

Every marking kit and spray canister has a unique forensic DNA signature which is a series of combinations of A (Adenine), C (Cytosine), G (Guanine) and T (Thymine). The synthetic DNA used is short-chain, making it as robust as human DNA.

The property marking kit includes a bottle of the marking fluid, application swap, 50 ID stickers, four 'thieves beware' stickers, a set-up membership card and instructions. The 50 warning labels are to be attached to the marked items or properties to act as a deterrent for potential thieves or burglars. Some UK police departments distribute the kits for free (e.g. the Cheshire Constabulary invested £170,000 to make the kits available to residents), while others offer a discount.

SelectaDNA is used to ‘tag’ valuable property, infrastructure, and criminals, and is available in a number of formats including vehicle marking solutions, Defiance Sprays to deter anti-social behavior and moped-enabled crime, SelectaDNA Trace for metal protection and Intruder Sprays for robbery prevention and transport protection. Formats for covert operations include transferable Gels, Grease and, Trespass Beads. SelectaDNA not only reduces crime but also enables police to link criminals to crime scenes and secure convictions. The Intruder Spray version can be used in instances where the perpetrator cannot be immediately caught or followed, e.g. sprayed by retail staff onto an intruder or sprayed onto a leaving thief from a can located above the shop door.

Valuable items such as old cars, personal possessions such as laptops or mobile phones, farm equipment, contractor tools, bikes, can be marked with the solution. In the event that any items are stolen and recovered by police, they are immediately traceable back to the owner. PCSP Chairman Alderman Robert Smith said: "Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP is happy to be part of this pilot project and to be able to provide some support to local farmers protect their property using SelectaDNA."

Notable users of the system include the National Health Service, the Royal Bank of Scotland, McDonald's, Post Office Limited, London School of Economics, Tesco, National Trust, Network Rail, Lloyds Bank, Pandora, Chanel, G4S, Securitas, Louis Vuitton, Texaco, Shell plc, Bank of New Zealand, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Three UK, and many more.

Over 90% of UK police forces have used SelectaDNA in crime prevention schemes.