SmartTag to help identify criminals

Our officers will be able to use SmartTag, a water-based forensic marking solution, to identify offenders involved in crimes reported to us.

Officers across Gwent will be issued with a new tactic to help them identify criminals at the scene of a crime.

SmartTag uses a pressurised canister to deploy a stream of SmartWater, a water-based forensic marking solution, to ‘tag’ an offender with a unique forensic code, linking them to the scene of an offence.

This new way of using SmartWater will support officers when an offender is trying to hide their identity, especially during incidents involving Anti-Social Behaviour, disorder or those involving the illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road bikes.

Only a drop of SmartWater is enough to prove beyond doubt that they were the person at the scene.

Chief Superintendent Carl Williams said:

“Following the introduction and implementation of our newest form of SmartWater – SmartTag, we are hoping to see a great increase of offenders linked to crimes across Gwent.

“I hope it helps to continue making our communities a safer place for all.”

If you have any intelligence that relates to the anti-social behaviour (ASB), call 101 or send us a direct message on social media.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always contact 999