Police hail DNA tagging spray in fight against motorbike anti-social behaviour

A DNA tagging spray is being hailed as something of a game-changer in the fight against motorbike and moped anti-social behaviour.

'SelectaDNA' canisters, when sprayed on to someone, leave a uniquely coded and invisible dye that provides police with the forensic evidence they need to link someone to a crime.

Northumbria Police says it has now seen incidents involving illegal motorbike riding and related anti-social behaviour fall by 70% in some areas.

Northumbria Police Chief Inspector Sam Rennison said the spray was clearly a deterrent.

He said: "The figures are incredibly encouraging and it is no coincidence that we have seen a significant decrease in reports of motorbike-related anti-social behaviour across the board since the DNA spray pilot was introduced.

"Quite simply, our message is getting out there. Those who ride around on bikes committing crime realise our officers are now carrying this equipment, which can be used as evidence to prove their guilt and bring offenders before the courts."

The tagging spray, which was trialled in Sunderland and South Tyneside, is now being rolled out to other areas in the North East covered by Northumbria Police.

Areas to the north of Sunderland - Roker, Seaburn and Fulwell - have seen a 54% fall in motorbike anti-social behaviour reports since 2018.

The trial areas, Sunderland and South Tyneside, have seen a 38% fall year-on-year.