Is someone trying to steal your DNA? Florida pushes to expand criminal penalties

A laboratory technician conducts a DNA analysis. Experts warn thefts of DNA from a strand of hair or an item you touched are increasingly likely. — Dreamstime/TNS

It could be a nosy neighbour questioning your ancestry. Perhaps it’s a lover who’s curious if you carry a gene for male pattern baldness. Or a rich grandparent checking if you’re genetically related.

All it takes to find out is a sample of DNA, or a person’s hereditary material, and some inexpensive testing. But experts warn thefts of DNA from a strand of hair or an item you touched are increasingly more likely, and you can become a victim without ever knowing it.