Scientists detect burglar DNA floating in the air after a break-in

Researchers in Norway and Australia staged 15-minute mock burglaries in 22 homes and collected airborne DNA with a kitchen air filter 30 minutes after the intruder left. Intruder DNA was detected in 9 of 11 Oslo homes (82%) and 4 of 11 in Adelaide (36%). The method needs strict contamination controls and validation with longer delays.

• DNA detected in 82% of Oslo homes and 36% in Adelaide
• Filters started 30 minutes after the intruder left
• Filters also caught researchers' own DNA despite protective gear
• About 661,800 burglaries were reported in the U.S. in 2025