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A police department is currently testing a novel forensic spray designed to identify and tag individuals engaging in anti-social behavior on bicycles and motorcycles.
Officers in Bournemouth North and the Poole neighborhood policing teams are employing SmartTag, a water-based marking solution that can be traced.
The spray is detectable using UV light, which illuminates the bright yellow substance on the offender’s clothing or vehicle.
Inspector Nick Lee stated, “We anticipate that this cutting-edge technology will significantly deter individuals who are considering engaging in anti-social behavior on motorcycles, e-bikes, and quadbikes within Dorset.”
According to Dorset Police, from May to July 2024, there were 112 reports concerning the anti-social use of bikes in the Poole and north Bournemouth regions.
This represented 20% of all anti-social behavior reports in Poole and 14% in north Bournemouth, with a notable concentration in the Winton area.
SmartTag, created by DeterTeck UK, includes a unique forensic code linked to the canister from which it is dispensed.
This feature is essential for connecting a suspect or vehicle to the scene of an incident.
Insp Lee elaborated, “Our commitment remains steadfast in reducing reports of anti-social behavior across the county.
“We recognize the significant concerns that ASB involving bikes and motorcycles raises within our communities, so we are pleased to trial this new tool as part of our efforts to address the situation.
“The SmartTag forensic spray allows us to mark both the bikes and the riders’ clothing, enabling us to link them to prior incidents, which can facilitate prosecution and conviction.”
This innovative device is being trialed thanks to funding from the police force’s Innovation Hub, which aims to support officers with new technologies during focused operations.
The hub is dedicated to fostering “creative solutions, technologies, and products” that enhance service delivery for both officers and staff, according to police statements.
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