North Wales Police to use forensic spray to catch e-bike offenders

Forensic spray is set to be used by North Wales Police as a way of stopping anti-social behaviour, as part of Operation Vroom. 

While some e-bike and scooter users simply ride the bike for fun, or for commuting, (those are the sensible reasons to own one), some are used for drug supply, which the police force aims to cut out with this new operation. 

North Wales Police is launching the operation in the Rhyl and Denbighshire Coastal district, and the system is equipped with Smart Tag forensic spray.

It uses a UV light for detection, and it features a ‘unique forensic code’. Specifically, this relates to the pressurised canister it was sprayed from, which has the ability to link a suspect and vehicle to where an offence is taking place.

Police believe the new method will give them a better chance of finding offenders, as some e-bikes are also linked with theft, and anti-social behaviour. 

Sergeant of the North Wales Police force, Iwan Hughes, said: 

“Traditional methods of apprehension are simply not viable in these circumstances. We need a solution that allows us to act safely and effectively without escalating risk. The Smart Tag forensic spray offers a promising alternative. When deployed, it coats the suspect in a traceable liquid that is invisible to the naked eye but detectable under UV light.

“A forensic marker can later be linked directly to the incident, providing robust evidential support for further action. This approach will be adopted imminently by officers across the district.”

Reports say around 135 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters were seized in Cardiff during a month-long operation in August. It’s believed one of the vehicles seized had a top speed of 86mph and was without functioning brakes.

North Wales Police has urged the public to report any electric bikes or scooters that are being ridden dangerously or illegally.

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