SelectaDNA tagging spray deployed

North Yorkshire Police aim to identify law-breaking moped and off-road riders

North Yorkshire Police is set to use SelectaDNA tagging spray to target those who ride mopeds and off-road motorcycles in an illegal or anti-social manner.

Already successfully deployed by 14 other police forces in the UK, officers will use the DNA spray to safely tag offenders who often have their faces covered while making off from the police.

It marks the bikes, clothing and skin of riders and passengers with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA that will provide forensic evidence to link them to a specific crime.

PCSO Justin Piercy deploys DNA spray during the police demonstration

The spray shows up blue under special UV lights and it can still be detected after washing.

The roll-out in North Yorkshire is being funded from the Proceeds of Crime Act at a cost of £2,500.

PC Tom Ibbetson, who has led the DNA spray initiative at North Yorkshire Police with support from the force’s Roads Policing Group, said: “As we have seen in other parts of the country, the use of SelectaDNA tagging spray is a very effective and safe police tactic in evidentially linking people on mopeds and off-road motorcycles to criminality and anti-social behaviour.

“The beauty of the DNA tagging spray is that suspects and bikes can be identified many weeks after being tagged, meaning they will have to be constantly looking over their shoulder because the police will catch up with them sooner or later.

PC Tom Ibbetson who is leading the roll-out of the DNA spray tactic at North  Yorkshire Police

“Importantly, it sends out a clear message to both offenders and concerned residents that North Yorkshire Police will not tolerate this type of behaviour. We will go to great lengths to bring offenders to justice and end the misery they are causing in many of our communities.”

Anyone with information about crime or anti-social behaviour linked to mopeds and off-road motorcycles is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.

For more information about SelectaDNA tagging spray, please go to www.selectadna.co.uk/dna-tagging-spray/news.

What’s on in York: Surprise Ending: How was it for you?

Dec _14Surprise

Acomb Explore Library :

Fri 14 Dec :

2.00pm -3.30pm :

Free

Surprise Ending, our Big City Read play was funded by Arts Council England.

We are inviting anyone who came to see the play to join us for a chat about what you thought of the play and to share any ideas about other initiatives that we could ask the Arts Council to support in libraries in the future.

This is a free session, but please book.

Please visit our ticketing website to book a place.

What’s on in York: When All is Quiet – Kaiser Chiefs in Conversation with York Art Gallery

Dec _14Kaiser

York Art Gallery :

Fri 14 Dec –  Sun 10 Mar :

10.00am – 5.00pm :

Admission prices

Kaiser Chiefs explore the boundaries between art and music this winter in a unique and experimental exhibition at York Art Gallery.

Using their position as pop musicians as a starting point, Kaiser Chiefs have selected exciting international loans, matched paintings with a “set list” of songs and created a  “Silent Gig” which uses light, colour, and lyrics to offer visitors a reconfigured experience of a live music show.

The band invite you to join them in exploring the edges between music, art, creation and performance.

For more information please visit our website.

Admission

YMT Card Holder                                         FREE

Adult (with 10% Gift Aid Donation)            £7.50

Adult (without donation)                           £6.81

Child (16 and under)*                                FREE with a paying adult

Access Day Ticket**                                    £4.00

With a YorkCard                                          20% off day tickets