July 31st, 2024

Police in the UK Use Forensic Spray to Tag Illegal Bikers

Police in Manchester are using SmartTag, a forensic spray, to identify illegal motorcyclists and e-bike riders. In six weeks, it led to 10 arrests and 54 seized bikes, aiming to deter antisocial behavior.

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Police in the UK Use Forensic Spray to Tag Illegal Bikers

Police in the UK are utilizing a forensic spray known as SmartTag to identify and tag illegal motorcyclists and e-bike riders causing disturbances in Manchester. This spray contains a unique traceable forensic code that allows law enforcement to track when and where individuals were tagged. The solution is invisible to the naked eye and cannot be washed off, making it an effective tool for police operations. Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle reported that within the first six weeks of using this spray, there have been 10 arrests and 54 bikes seized. The spray is also being deployed in various departments across the region, with Wigan alone seeing 19 seized bikes and five arrests. The implementation of SmartTag aims to deter antisocial behavior by informing potential offenders that police are equipped with this technology. Plans are in place to erect signs in key areas to alert bikers and motorists about the use of SmartTag. Inspector Michael Crosthwaitee emphasized the goal of preventing antisocial behavior early on, allowing for future prosecutions based on the tagging. SmartTag is developed by Deter Tech, previously known as the Smart Water Group, based in London. The initiative reflects a broader commitment by police to address issues related to illegal biking and enhance public safety.

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By @janice1999 - 7 months
There are problems in the UK and Ireland with unlicensed young people causing trouble on scramblers (off road motorcycles) and motorcycles being used for crime in general. There have been an increasing number of fatalities of both riders and pedestrians and several high profile deaths that occurred during police pursuits. It makes sense to tag and investigate later than risk a fatal chase.
By @nom - 7 months
I'm curious, how does it work? How is the liquid in each bottle unique?

Unique molecules, like RNA chains? Unique mixture of molecules? Can it be identified without a big lab, like sequencing equipment?

Sounds like an interesting problem they have solved, but the sauce is likely secret.

By @viranchee - 7 months
If I was the biker, I would buy and spray this spray on my and everyones bikes! Effectively countering the UV spray because everybody has been sprayed
By @smegsicle - 7 months
this is boring without discussion of how the 'dna-like unique binary polymer code' works