DNA spray to tackle off-road bike menace
INVISIBLE spray is being used to tackle the anti-social and illegal use of minimotos and off-road bikes in Halton.
As part of Operation Scrambler, officers now have access to a unique crimefighting tool which allows them to mark riders and trace them back to a particular bike.
The Selectamark DNA spray uses a dye invisible to the naked eye and marks the skin, clothing and bike.
Inspector Chris Adkins, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “The anti-social use of motorcycles is not only dangerous but also affects the wellbeing of the community.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for this sort of behaviour.
“The DNA spray will mark the riders and bikes for a significant period of time allowing us to trace and prosecute them.”
Officers can then use UV torches to identify offenders and link them to a specific incident using a unique DNA code.
Police across the town will be in possession of the spray ready for deployment as and when needed.
It has been funded in partnership with Halton Borough Council, Halton Housing Trust (HHT) and the Halton Community Safety Team.
Cllr David Cargill said: “These off-road bikes are a blight on our community.
“Members of the public continue to report the problem and ● it is my role to support the partnership and ensure these bikes are taken off our streets and crushed.
“We have supported the police and housing providers through the funding of A frame barriers and design of streets to discourage the use of the bikes.”
Mark Harvey, HHT’s tenancy services manager, said
He said: “Halton Housing Trust residents have been tormented by illegal off-road motorbikes being driven around estates for years.
“By working in close partnership with both Cheshire police and Halton Borough Council we have tried various methods to reduce the risk to the general public.
“This has involved the police seizing motorbikes and publicly crushing them.
“This new Selecta DNA spray will assist the police in identifying the individuals who are causing such distress to local people with off-road motorbikes, and who are also often involved in illegal activity.
“We gladly offer our support to the police with this new initiative to clamp down on this type of behaviour, and help make our community a safer place to live.”
Those with information about the illegal and anti-social use of mini-motos, off-road bikes and quad bikes can call Cheshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and quote Operation Scrambler.
Alternatively, residents can e-mail operation.scrambler@ cheshire.pnn.police.uk