Cheshire is set to become the first police force in the UK to equip officers with DNA Tagging Spray at all League two matches. The force trialled the product at the Crewe Alexandra versus Port Vale match in March. The force is to roll out the tool to all League Two games (the division that Crewe are in).
DNA Tagging Spray, supplied by SelectaDNA, is a spray which can be used by officers to mark things, clothing or skin with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA solution. That will provide forensic evidence to link someone marked to a crime or event. The spray shows up under ultra-violet (UV) light and clings to skin and clothing for months.
Police hope the tool will act as a deterrent to the anti-social or disorderly before, during and after a game, as well as letting those involved know that they will be sprayed with a solution that will link them back to the scene of the crime. Use proper began at the Crewe versus Accrington Stanley game on Saturday, August 9 at the Mornflake Stadium.
This forms part of Operation Shield, a force-wide initiative which will see SelectaDNA Intruder Spray kits installed at business premises and shops across the county, there with the aim of deterring burglars and thieves. The spray will also be used by officers targeting offenders using electric scooters, eBikes and off-road bikes.
Chief Supt Gareth Wrigley, who is leading Operation Shield, said: โHere at Cheshire Constabulary, weโre committed to doing all that we can to make the county a safer place for everyone, including football fans, and weโll use all the resources available to us to help achieve our goal. When it comes to football, we already have a number of measures in place to keep fans safe and the DNA Tagging kits are just another tool in our belt.
โStarting from this weekend weโll be equipping our football officers with the spray whenever they are policing any League Two matches in the county. While weโd much prefer not to have to use the spray, if required the officers will be able to use it to tag any offenders, with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA that will provide forensic evidence to link them to any offences.
โIโm hoping this tool also provides the local communities across Cheshire with the reassurance they need that our officers are doing all they can to keep fans and residents safe regardless of the result at the final whistle.โ
Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts is the national (NPCC) Lead for Football Policing. He said: โWe know that the vast majority of football fans are law abiding, but unfortunately on occasions there are some who are intent on causing disorder, which is why a strong policing operation is essential. Iโm confident that this new tool will make a real difference, by helping to identify and deter the criminals who attend football matches here in Cheshire.โ
