POLICE officers across the region will be using a new tagging spray to combat recent anti social behaviour involving the illegal use of off road bikes, motorcycles and e-scooters.
Officers say that there’s been an increase in incidents involving the vehicles which has caused concern to residents in Dumfries, Annan and Lockerbie on public roads, pavements and cycle paths.
The spray is aimed by officers at the bikes, clothing and skin of any riders and passengers leaving a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA that will provide forensic evidence to link them to a specific crime.
The spray is deployed as a very fine mist which does not cause any harm or damage to skin, clothing or property.
The solution does not wash off surfaces, so can help forensically link offenders even after a passage of time.
The spray has been successfully used in others parts of the country.
Launching it locally this week, Sergeant Callum Dalgleish-Little said: “We know that antisocial behaviour. particularly in residential areas, public parks, and cycle paths, is concerning for local communities.
“This spray will help officers have another tool at their disposal to detect and deter such criminality.
“The spray is deployed by trained officers and can be used on bikes we believe to be stolen or ridden illegally.
“If you have any information regards anti-social behaviour, the use of such vehicles in residential areas or in circumstances that cause concerns, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or you can provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
