Thames Valley Police deployed innovative forensic technology during an operation targeting illegal e-bike activity in Banbury.
Officers from the Banbury Neighbourhood Policing Team deployed SelectaDNA spray while monitoring the town centre on Tuesday, October 6.
Authorities observed an individual operating a Sur-Ron motorcycle-style bike through the shopping district in a hazardous manner.
The rider had covered their face with a balaclava, seemingly in an effort to avoid identification.
Officers managed to draw level with the vehicle and apply the forensic marking substance before the individual fled the scene.
Instead of pursuing the suspect directly, officers conducted further investigation and attended a residential property connected to the individual.
Upon arrival, authorities employed ultraviolet lighting to detect the distinctive SelectaDNA identification marker on the rider’s garments and the Sur-Ron machine.
The evidence confirmed the individual’s presence at the scene.
The e-bike was confiscated and the individual was taken into custody.
Forensic evidence linking the suspect to the incident was secured for potential future prosecution.
SelectaDNA technology operates by marking individuals and objects with a unique invisible substance that remains detectable under UV illumination.
This enables authorities to connect wrongdoers to specific locations and incidents even when traditional identification methods prove ineffective.
Banbury Neighbourhood Policing Team demonstrated effective use of modern policing techniques to safeguard local residents and address unsafe practices involving off-road vehicles within the community.