Use of DNA spray to identify criminals expanded

The spray does not cause any damage to skin or clothing

Police in West Yorkshire have said they will be rolling out the use of a DNA tagging spray across the whole county after what they described as "successful trials".

A spokesperson for the force said the move, aimed at helping to identify shoplifters and those engaged in anti-social behaviour, came after a trial scheme in Wakefield and Leeds.

The handheld device can be sprayed from a distance at bikes, clothing and skin leaving an invisible trace which can be used as forensic evidence to link offenders to a specific crime.

The mist, which can only be seen under an ultraviolet light, clings to skin and clothing fibres for up to six months and cannot be washed off.

The force said officers had been trained to use it to tackle offenders involved in the anti-social use of motorbikes and e-bikes as well as retail crime and general anti-social behaviour.

Supt Andy Loftus said the trials had shown the spray, funded by a Home Office scheme, was useful.

He added: "These are matters which cause a lot of concern to our communities, and I am pleased that all our officers and staff now have access to use this useful product, which will help them to target individuals and the vehicles they use to commit crime and cause disruption to neighbourhoods."

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