Police in Watford are trialling an innovative forensic tagging spray system to combat the use of e-bikes for suspected criminal activity in the town...
The constabulary’s Operation Hotspot budget has provided funding for the pilot scheme, which went live earlier this month.
The DNA tagging spray marks the bikes, clothing and skin of any riders and passengers with a uniquely coded but invisible dye that will provide irrefutable forensic evidence to link them to a specific crime. The dye, which is only detectable by UV light, remains on skin and clothing for several months after application.
Inspector Dan Jones, who leads the Watford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is the first time this system has been used by police in Hertfordshire and it’s another tool in our box of tactics to make it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate in Watford.
“Since the launch of Operation Hotspot in May last year, we’ve seen a 9% reduction in town centre crime and a 15% fall in reports of anti-social behaviour, so we know that what we’re doing is having a positive effect.
“However, we are still seeing the use of high-powered e-bikes in criminality, and not only that but they’re putting public lives at risk with their reckless riding. The spray will enable us to identify those responsible without the need to engage in risky high-speed pursuits.”
Inspector Jones added: “Officers have received training on how to use the spray and they’ve already begun using it in their daily business, so we want this to serve as a warning to those involved – expect a knock on the door, because we will catch up with you.”
The pilot is expected to run for six months before the results are reviewed and evaluated. While this is the first time SelectaDNA tagging spray is being used in day-to-day policing in Hertfordshire, other forces such as Cambridgeshire and the Met have already seen the benefits after it helped them secure convictions for moped and mobile phone theft.
Elsewhere in the county, the Rural Operational Support Team recently launched a property tagging pilot in partnership with the farming community, thanks to funding from the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The SelectaDNA tagging kits are being distributed to businesses in targeted rural locations across Hertfordshire, helping them safeguard their equipment from burglary and acquisitive crime.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I am pleased that the DNA tagging spray is being trialled in Watford to tackle illegal nuisance bikes. Irresponsible riding causes significant disruption in our communities and poses serious safety risks.
“I have raised this concern with the police regularly and welcome this initiative. This technology has already been successful in other parts of the country, helping to link offenders to specific crimes. Hopefully, it will be an effective deterrent in Watford during the trial.
“As a council, we are actively supporting the police, with our CCTV operators capturing crucial evidence of dangerous e-bike riding for the police to investigate. It is so important that residents feel safe and not intimidated in our town.
“I will continue to press the police for further action against anti-social behaviour and nuisance bikes.”
