Police in West Yorkshire are using new tactics to crack down on the anti-social use of motorcycles and quad bikes. 

Officers working on Operation Heelfield are targeting stolen and off-road vehicles linked to anti-social behaviour in the North Halifax area.

The community intelligence led operation uses a combination of Neighbourhood Policing Officers, Roads Policing Officers, Proactive Intercept Team (PIT), Drone Officers, off-road motorbikes and a new resource of forensic marking.

Forensic marking solution, known as SmartTag, has been given to officers to help enhance resources to tackle offenders.

The solution can be sprayed on offenders and vehicles, which remain on skin, clothing, and items even after washing, which allows officers to locate suspects after an incident has occurred.

Sgt Oliver Bentley, of Halifax NPT, said: “Having forensic marking as an additional resource for our officers will increase our chances of bring those responsible to justice.

“At times, it can be a risk to the public and officers to pursue offenders in off-road settings and the forensic marking solution can be sprayed without risk of harm to anyone.

“We understand the impact that anti-social use of off-road vehicles can have on the rural communities, and we will continue to do what we can to keep people safe.”

Anyone with information, CCTV or video footage of incidents can report information via the force’s 101 Live chat or the Safer Roads Media Submissions portal online.