Dutch police eyeing DNA spray system

Stores and gas stations in the Dutch city of Rotterdam will soon be outfitted with a system that can spray criminals with a DNA substance, police say.

Rotterdam police have outlined a plan to install devices in area businesses that can be used to coat escaping robbers with a substance featuring synthetic DNA in order to aid police in identifying suspects, Radio Netherlands said Wednesday.

The spray, which is dispensed after a shopkeeper pushes a button, will remain on a robbery suspect's skin for at least seven days. The synthetic substance could potentially survive longer on an individual's clothes.

Radio Netherlands said one Rotterdam tobacco shop has been outfitted with the spray system and 20 other area businesses have been tabbed to receive the tagging device.