Life just got harder for jewel thieves in Sweden. Eight jewelry stores across the Scandinavian country have installed smart DNA spray systems to identify and deter burglars.

American company Applied DNA Sciences makes SmartDNA spray units, a crime prevention system marketed for stores, warehouses, banks, pharmacies and ATMs.

The system contains a water-based, non-toxic spray which may be triggered during a crime, marking the perpetrator and remaining on their person for weeks after the crime. Each SmartDNA product is designed to be unique to each store, warehouse or sting operation allowing the police and prosecutors to link criminals to the crimes.

"SmartDNA is the perfect crime deterrent for the retail environment," stated Dr. James Hayward, APDN's CEO. "It is well suited for special vulnerabilities, such as those found with ATMs or in banks".

The launch of the jewelry security systems were launched in Sweden by a country-wide collaboration involving the Swedish National Police, SKL (National Forensic Laboratory), a large Scandinavian Insurance company, Safe Solution, and the American company.