West Yorkshire Police Rolls Out DNA Tagging Spray Force-Wide After Proven Success

West Yorkshire Police Rolls Out DNA Tagging Spray Force-Wide After Proven Success 

West Yorkshire Police has become the latest force to expand its use of forensic DNA tagging technology, rolling out SelectaDNA Defence Spray across all five of its policing districts. 

The decision follows highly successful trials in Leeds and Wakefield and is backed by the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund, which supports innovative crime prevention strategies. Officers and PCSOs have been trained to use the spray to tackle a range of offences, including the anti-social use of motorbikes and e-bikes, retail crime, and neighbourhood disorder. 

The force’s adoption of SelectaDNA is the latest chapter in a long-standing and highly effective partnership. 

West Yorkshire Police has for several years used SelectaDNA defence sprays to target rogue riders, moped-enabled offenders, and persistent anti-social behaviour, leading to multiple arrests and successful prosecutions. The uniquely-coded forensic mist provides irrefutable evidence that links suspects to specific incidents - evidence that has stood up in court time and again. 

The force is also a major supporter of BikeRegister, the UK’s national cycle database, and has helped deliver a 15% reduction in cycle thefts in areas such as Leeds and across West Yorkshire. 

Now, with the SelectaDNA Tagging Spray being deployed force-wide, West Yorkshire is continuing to lead the way in the use of forensic technology in everyday policing. 

How the DNA Tagging Spray Works 

The SelectaDNA Tagging Spray is a compact handheld device that emits a fine mist of synthetic DNA, invisible to the naked eye but traceable under ultraviolet light. The solution adheres to skin, clothing, and even vehicles, and cannot be washed off - providing officers with a powerful tool to link individuals to crimes and support prosecution. 

It is quick and safe to use, harmless to humans and animals, and leaves no damage to clothing or property. 

Proven Use Cases 

West Yorkshire officers are using the spray to support operations targeting: 

• Anti-social use of motorbikes and e-bikes 
• Retail and commercial theft 
• Public disorder and street-level disruption 

The deployment is already delivering operational value, as explained by Superintendent Andy Loftus, West Yorkshire Police’s Local Policing lead: 

“We have seen in previous trials here how effective the use of DNA tagging spray can be in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour and retail crime. 

“These are matters which cause a lot of concern to our communities, and I am pleased that all our officers and staff now have access to use this useful product, which will help them to target individuals and the vehicles they use to commit crime and cause disruption to neighbourhoods." 

Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, added: 

“We know that anti-social behaviour can blight communities - that's why innovative tools like this are crucial to tackling this issue head on.  This investment from the Home Office will help us deliver on our Police and Crime Plan, working together to prevent crime and create a safer, fairer West Yorkshire.” 

A Proven Partnership 

This force-wide rollout cements West Yorkshire Police’s place as one of the most forward-thinking adopters of forensic tagging technology in the UK. Their results - from reductions in theft to successful convictions - serve as a case study for how tools like SelectaDNA can be embedded into everyday policing to deliver long-term impact.