Z expands its ability to keep its customers and people safe

6 August 2013

Z expands its ability to keep its customers and people safe

Z is trialling an invisible liquid “DNA” that they hope will deter would-be robbers, making sites even safer for service station staff and customers.

Z will be the first service station in New Zealand to use the SelectaDNA Spray technology which it is trialling at a number of sites. The new state-of-the-art security system enables would-be robbers to be invisibly 'tagged' and therefore identifiable to Police.

The technology being used by Z is not to identify the products stolen, as has been the case in recent Police led “Safe as Houses” projects across the country, but will identify the robber by using a high-tech spray unit installed at the doors that is activated automatically in the event of a robbery or after hours' burglary.

Highly visible warning signage is placed on the doors to alert would-be robbers of its presence, however, once there has been a security breach it is impossible to leave the scene without being sprayed with a fine DNA laced mist. The DNA solution – unique to each location – stays on the skin for up to ten days and glows blue under ultraviolet light. The DNA within the solution provides Police with an irrefutable link between offender and crime scene.

Mark Forsyth, General Manager Retail at Z Energy said today: “The system has already proved to be a very effective deterrent in overseas markets, and it is a measure that we can add to our existing efforts to keep our staff and customers safe.

“In reality Z only has about five robberies a year, but that is five too many when you consider the impact on staff and customers present when these incidents occur and the possible harm. If introducing this system is a deterrent to would-be robbers and burglars then as far as we're concerned this is money well spent.

“The new system, if introduced across our network will complement the other security measures we already have in place including: fully digital, high definition CCTV; virtually no cash kept on site; remote alarm alerts that bring security staff almost immediately; and staff training to ensure they and their customers remain as safe as possible during an incident,” Mark Forsyth said.

SelectaDNA Director David Morrissey said: “The solution is a water based, non-toxic spray that incorporates a UV Tracer, with each batch of the solution having a unique synthetic DNA that is registered to a location.

“Police across the country are equipped with UVA lights, that when shone over the solution causes it to glow bright blue making it very easy for them to find. They are able to analyse the DNA within the solution to link an offender to the crime scene,” David Morrissey said.

Mark Forsyth said: “At Z Energy we take personal responsibility for making health and safety a vital part of our business. We have a Zero Harm Workplace pledge which means we undertake to do everything we can to ensure 'Zero Harm' to our customers, staff, contractors, neighbours, and members of the public.”

ENDS

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