Police trial spray to tag anti-social bike riders

Neighbourhood policing teams are utilising a traceable water-based marking solution

A police force is trialling a new forensic spray for tagging anti-social cyclists and motorcyclists.

Officers in the Bournemouth North and Poole neighbourhood policing teams are utilising SmartTag, a traceable water-based marking solution.

It can be traced using a UV light to scan the offender's clothing and bike, which highlights the bright yellow solution.

Insp Nick Lee said: "We hope that the use of this innovative technology will act as a significant deterrent for those who are thinking of committing anti-social behaviour (ASB) on motorbikes, e-bikes and quadbikes in Dorset."

Between May and July 2024, there were 112 calls regarding the anti-social use of bikes off-road in the Poole and north Bournemouth areas, according to Dorset Police.

This amounted to 20% of all ASB reports in Poole and 14% in north Bournemouth, notably in Winton.

SmartTag, developed by DeterTeck UK, has a unique forensic code relating to the pressurised cannister it was sprayed from.

It helps to link a suspect and vehicle to the scene of an offence.

The spray has a unique forensic code relating to the pressurised cannister it was sprayed from

Insp Lee added: "We remain committed to reducing reports of ASB across the county.

"We are aware that ASB on bikes and motorbikes causes considerable concern to members of our communities, so we are delighted to be able to trial this new device in our bid to tackle the issue.

"The SmartTag forensic spray allows us to mark these bikes and the clothing of the rider so when we do come across them again, we can tag them to previous incidents with a view towards prosecution and conviction."

The new device is being trialled following funding from the force's Innovation Hub and will support officers on dedicated operations.

The hub supports the implementation of "innovative solutions, ideas, technology and products" to help officers and staff improve their services, the force added.