A NEW device to tag illegal and anti social moped riders is being deployed by police.

Officers spray a DNA liquid which will stay on the skin and clothing of riders for many weeks helping to link them to crimes. The new SelectaDNA device is being introduced by North Yorkshire police, who are warning offenders they will not tolerate bad behaviour by off road motorcyclists and moped riders.

PC Tom Ibbetson, who has led trials of the new spray alongside the Roads Policing Group, said the uniquely-coded but invisible DNA would remain on skin, clothing and the bikes for a long time helping them to prove who was on a vehicle. It shows up blue under UV lights and can be detected even after washing.

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

"Importantly, it sends out a clear message to 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."

PC Ibbetson said some offenders often had their faces covered while making off from the police. It will also be used to spray offenders trying to elude the police such as shoplifters. The scheme is already being trialled in 14 other police areas. In North Yorkshire it's funded through £2,500 from the proceeds of crime act using money seized from criminals.