MERSEYSIDE Police have demonstrated its latest
tool to track down offenders involved in the illegal and nuisance use of off
road bikes, called:- 'Selectamark DNA spray.'
The handheld devices can be sprayed by Officers at suspected illegal and anti
social off road bikes, marking the bikes, clothing and skin of any riders and
passengers with a uniquely coded, but invisible dye. If suspects are arrested or
bikes recovered, the DNA code will link offenders to bikes and any associated
criminal offences.
The spray is similar to door mounted DNA sprays used by shopkeepers across
Merseyside, which have led to reductions in business robberies under force
Operation Aquila.
The demonstration took place at Mather Avenue Training Centre and involved
members of the Force's Roads Policing Unit and the Dogs and Mounted section.
Roads Policing Officers on bikes circled Mounted Officers, who sprayed the
riders as they rode past. As a result, the bike and rider's clothing was marked
with DNA, invisible to the naked eye, but easily detected with torches and
ultraviolet light in Police Custody Suites.
In February 2016, 4 Liverpool men were arrested and a quad bike was recovered
following an incident in Mill Lane, Dingle, where the bike was ridden
dangerously towards Mounted Officers.
Inspector Tony Byrne of the Dogs and Mounted section said:- "Acts of anti social
behaviour, dangerous driving and intimidation against members of our communities
and our officers will not be tolerated, and this is another great tool in
finding and prosecuting offenders. Our Police Horses are trained to be
comfortable around vehicles, including off road bikes, but we have a duty to
protect the community, our Officers, and our horses from all forms of reckless
driving. The spray means that if you attempt to drive dangerously near to our
Officers, you are not untouchable. Even a drop of DNA spray will mark riders and
their bikes for a long time, and this tactic will undoubtedly lead to more
seizures and prosecutions throughout the summer. 1 spray will put you away."
Superintendent Jenny Sims, leading Operation Brookdale, said:- "Already during
this year's operation, we have recovered in excess of 90 bikes from our streets
and made more than 40 arrests using a variety of tactics, and we will continue
to act when communities provide information. As we have shown with Operation
Aquila, DNA spray is another way to deter and catch those who continue to cause
problems in our communities. So tell us who is storing these bikes and where,
and we can keep getting results."
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said:- "This is another great
example of Merseyside Police using modern technology to prevent crime, catch the
perpetrators and keep our communities safe. These sprays have helped to reduce
business robberies and I am sure they can now be beneficial in targeting the
anti social and criminal use of scrambler bikes. The Force is continually
looking for more effective and efficient ways to crack down on the crimes that
cause most harm to people living, working and visiting Merseyside."
Anyone with information on the illegal and nuisance use of off road bikes is
asked to call Police on:- 999 if a crime is in action, call:- 101 or
Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.
