Extension of SelectaDNA's tagging spray to the North East

Officers in North East Division to use SelectaDNA tagging spray to help combat antisocial behaviour

Police Scotland will extend its use of SelectaDNA’s tagging spray to officers in North East Division from Monday, 18 March, 2024.

The handheld tagging spray, already used in other areas of the country, will be used by officers to target offenders involved in the antisocial and illegal use of motorcycles, and bicycles, including electric bikes.

The spray is aimed by officers at bikes, clothing and skin of any riders and passengers with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA that will provide forensic evidence to link them to a specific crime.

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