‘Invisible’ spray leaves its mark on joyriders

POLICE tackling motorbike crime are to be armed with hi-tech DNA sprays to identify lawbreakers.

Edinburgh has been hit by an epidemic of nuisance and high-speed incidents, often caused by joyriders on stolen bikes.

Now officers will be able to mark criminals and their bikes with indelible dye that only shows up under ultraviolet light.

Each SelectaDNA aerosol can carries a unique microscopic marker so it can be traced back to an individual incident.

Pilot schemes in England have proved successful. If this trial is equally beneficial, it could be rolled out across Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said: ‘Illegal motorcycle activity has been an ongoing issue within Edinburgh for some time. The addition of the SelectaDNA tagging spray will help us to both deter and detect this type of behaviour.’

The spray is made by Kent-based Selectamark Security Systems, which developed the technology to tag property so it could be identified if stolen.

In Edinburgh, officers will attend incidents where they believe they can get close enough to spray an offender. They will also carry UV torches that will be able to detect the non-toxic spray on a suspect or motorbike up to five years later.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘If a bike rider is wearing a helmet, it makes them difficult to identify. This spray potentially provides another form of evidence.

‘Each can’s contents has a DNA signature so it can be traced back to a particular officer, time and place.’