Thames Valley Police began using a forensic tagging spray across Oxford, Oxfordshire, on 27 February 2026 to help catch people involved in motorbike-related trouble. The new tool allows officers to mark suspects who try to flee from a distance, making it easier to link them to crimes without the need for dangerous high-speed pursuits.
The SelectaDNA spray is an invisible liquid that stays on a person’s skin or clothing for several weeks. It contains a unique code that only shows up under ultraviolet light, providing clear evidence that can be used to identify suspects long after an incident has happened.
Neighbourhood officers and teams from Cowley police station are using the spray as part of a joint operation with Oxford City Council. The work is currently focused on the Barton area, where residents have frequently complained about the dangerous use of motorbikes.
Sergeant Sam French, who is leading the project, said the spray is a safe and effective way to tag people who try to get away. Councillor Lubna Arshad added that the initiative was launched after local surveys showed that many residents see motorbike-related disorder as a top priority for the city.
The use of the spray is part of a larger plan to improve community safety between 2026 and 2029. This technology is intended to help increase the number of successful prosecutions for vehicle-related crimes in the local area.
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