Police Scotland Roll-Out SelectaDNA Defence Sprays

Police Scotland have extended the use of SelectaDNA Defence Sprays to Officers in North East Division to help combat antisocial behaviour.

The handheld Tagging Sprays, already used in other areas of the country including Edinbugh, will be used by officers to target offenders involved in the antisocial and illegal use of motorcycles, and bicycles, including electric bikes.

The spray is aimed by officers at bikes, clothing and skin of any riders and passengers with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA that will provide forensic evidence to link them to a specific crime.

Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “The use of this tagging spray is another tool officers will have at their disposal to help detect illegal and antisocial activity associated with motorcycle and bike crime. We know that this issue has been a concern for communities, and we’ve had a number of local projects ongoing in a bid to help tackle this over recent months and years."

“Other areas of the country have seen great results in reductions of crime using SelectaDNA, which was first introduced in Edinburgh in 2018. We hope this will be reflected in our communities as we continue to work hard to bring perpetrators to justice."

“I’d ask the public to continue to work with us to help in apprehending those taking part in anti-social behaviour and hold them to account throughout our area."

SelectaDNA Defence Sprays have already been successfully used by Police Scotland to tackle motorcycle crime in Edinburgh. They were deployed to officers as part of Operation Soteria which led to a significant reduction of 60% in offences.