Police roll out 'tagging spray' to target illegal use of e-bikes, motorcycles and bicycles in

A special ‘tagging spray’ deployed by police officers to trace offenders involved in the anti-social and illegal use of motorcycles, bicycles and e-bikes has been rolled out in the north east.

The handheld mist, deployed by officers at bikes, clothing and the skin of bike riders, helps provide forensic evidence to link individuals to crimes.

Already in use in Edinburgh, Police Scotland said the SelectaDNA tagging spray will now be extended to officers in its North East Division.

The spray is deployed as a very fine mist which does not cause any harm or damage to skin, clothing or property.

It does not wash off surfaces, so can help forensically link offenders even after a passage of time.

Officers in the North East Division already use SelectaDNA products for marking property in efforts to deter and detect stolen goods in housebreaking and rural crime incidents.

Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “The use of this tagging spray is another tool officers will have at their disposal to help detect illegal and antisocial activity associated with motorcycle and bike crime.

“We know that this issue has been a concern for communities, and we’ve had a number of local projects ongoing in a bid to help tackle this over recent months and years.

“Other areas of the country have seen great results in reductions of crime using SelectaDNA, which was first introduced in Edinburgh in 2018. We hope this will be reflected in our communities as we continue to work hard to bring perpetrators to justice.

“I’d ask the public to continue to work with us to help in apprehending those taking part in anti-social behaviour and hold them to account throughout our area.

“If you wish to report crime in your area, you can do so by contacting us on 101, or by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”