5 days ago
Invisible DNA tagging spray introduced to tackle football hooliganism
A police force is to equip officers at football matches with an invisible tagging spray that can be used to mark troublemakers and help them be identified months later.
Cheshire Constabulary has announced that it will use the SelectaDNA spray at League One matches in the county, beginning with Crewe Alexandra against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
The spray is not visible, but clothing or skin is marked with a uniquely coded DNA solution that will show up under UV light months later. The sprays are also being issued to shops and businesses to deter burglars and shoplifters.
The spray will deter those involved in anti-social behaviour around matches including in city centres and pubs
LEON NEAL/AFP
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, who is leading Operation Shield, said: 'Here at Cheshire Constabulary, we're committed to doing all that we can to make the county a safer place for everyone, including football fans, and we'll 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.
'Starting from this weekend we'll be equipping our football officers with the spray whenever they are policing any League One matches in the county.'
The most recent football disorder statistics showed an 18 per cent rise in the number of matches with reported incidents across England and Wales.
Cheshire police hope the spray will deter hooligans or those involved in any anti-social behaviour around matches including in city centres and pubs, in the knowledge that the DNA tag will link them back to the scene of a potential crime.
Mark Roberts, the force's chief constable and lead of football policing in England, added: 'We 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.
'I'm 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.'
