North Wales Police are set to roll out an innovative new tactic in Rhyl and the wider Denbighshire Coastal area in a bid to combat rising incidents of anti-social behaviour.
The initiative, part of Operation Vroom, will focus on the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, which are frequently linked to drug supply, theft, and public disorder.
Officers will now be equipped with Smart Tag, a forensic spray designed to safely and discreetly mark offenders for later identification. The solution contains a unique forensic code that corresponds to the pressurised canister it was sprayed from, directly linking a suspect or vehicle to the scene of an offence.
Once sprayed, the liquid is invisible to the naked eye but glows under UV light, allowing officers to scan clothing or bikes to confirm a match. The bright yellow trace will provide strong evidential support when dealing with offenders.
Recent months have seen a surge in complaints from residents and councils across Abergele, Rhuddlan and Prestatyn about youths riding at high speeds, often while wearing hoods and face coverings to conceal their identities. These behaviours have made it increasingly difficult for officers to intervene safely.
Sergeant Iwan Hughes said traditional methods were not always practical in these situations.
He explained: “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 dangerous pursuits, reducing risks to the public, officers and riders themselves.
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 say the introduction of Smart Tag will provide a safer and more effective way of tackling one of the most persistent anti-social behaviour challenges facing local communities.
