Operation Scrambler Deploys DNA Spray To Track Off-Road Bikers

A new crime fighting tool is being used to crack down on the illegal use of scrambler bikes in Widnes, Cheshire.

Police are using the SelectaDNA Defence spray to try to catch the culprits. The spray, which is invisible to the naked eye, will be used by officers to mark riders’ skin, clothing and bike with a dye which can later be traced to a specific incident.

Inspector Chris Adkins, from 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."

The spray has been funded in partnership with Halton Council, Halton Housing Trust and the Halton Community Safety Team.

Halton Cllr David Cargill, board member for community safety, said: "These off-road bikes are a blight on our community.  

"Members of the public continue to report the problem to elected members and it is my role to support the partnership and ensure these bikes are taken off our streets and crushed."

The spray enables officers to use UV torches to identify offenders and link them to a specific incident through a unique DNA code. 

Widnes officers working on the Operation Scrambler campaign will carry the spray ready for deployment as and when needed.

Halton Housing Trust's tenancy services manager Mark Harvey said: “Our residents have been tormented by illegal off-road motorbikes being driven around our estates for a number of years. 

"This new DNA spray will assist the police in identifying the individuals who are causing such distress to people.”