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Officers to Deploy Forensic Spray in Crackdown on E-Scooter and Bike-Related ASB
- Sep 17, 2025
- Latest News
An innovative new tactic to combat rising incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) will soon be implemented in the Rhyl and Denbighshire Coastal district.
With a particular focus on the illegal use of e-scooters and push-bikes, the initiative will see officers equipped with the Smart Tag forensic spray—a tool designed to safely and discreetly mark offenders for later identification.
The Smart Tag solution has a unique forensic code relating to the pressurised cannister it was sprayed from, which can link a suspect and vehicle to the scene of an offence.
To achieve this, officers will use a UV light to scan the offender’s clothing and bike, which will highlight the bright yellow solution to show that they have been tagged.
The initiative forms part of Operation Vroom, which is specifically targeting the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters across the force area.
These vehicles are frequently linked to drug supply, theft, and anti-social behaviour and pose serious risks to pedestrians, road users, and the riders themselves.
In recent months, the district has seen a surge in complaints from residents and local councils, including Abergele, Rhuddlan and Prestatyn, regarding youths causing disruption while illegally riding electric bikes and scooters at high speeds.
Individual riders often conceal their identities with hoods and face coverings to avoid detection.
These behaviours have made it increasingly difficult for officers to intervene or identify suspects during patrols.
Sergeant Iwan Hughes acknowledged the scale of the problem and the limitations officers face in pursuing offenders on bikes.
He 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.”
By using Smart Tag, officers can mark offenders in real time without the need for physical pursuit, which can endanger the public, officers and the individual riders.
This proactive step will help us tackle one of our most persistent ASB challenges on our streets and roads.
Sgt Hughes added: “We hope that public awareness of the forensic spray’s use will serve as a powerful deterrent, reducing the frequency of such incidents and restoring a sense of safety in our communities.”
North Wales Police remains committed to innovative, community-driven solutions and we will continue to adapt our approach to meet the evolving challenges of modern policing.
If you see electric bikes or scooters being ridden dangerously or illegally, please report it to us. Together we can keep our streets and public spaces safe for everyone.