In Southampton, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary says the technology gives officers a safer tactical option when dealing with motorcycles, e‑bikes and e‑scooters being used in crime or anti‑social behaviour, reducing the need for risky pursuits or close confrontation. A BBC report in April said Thames Valley Police is now deploying SmartTag spray as part of its own response to the rising criminal use of e‑bikes and e-scooters. The force, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, has already seized more than 100 illegal machines in recent operations and warned that privately owned e‑scooters used on public roads risk fines, penalty points and confiscation. According to the report, Thames Valley officers use SmartTag to mark suspects and their vehicles during incidents, with anyone stopped later subject to UV checks to see if they carry the forensic code. A briefing to the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel states that the spray remains on skin, clothing and other surfaces for extended periods, strengthening the evidential link between offenders and specific crime scenes.