A DNA spit kit has led to the Netherlands’ first arrest for allegedly spitting at a tram driver or conductor, reports the Parool.

For six months, 50 GVB public transport employees have been armed with the spit kit, to help track down people who spit at staff.

After the incident, they collect the evidence, and it is compared to the databank at the Dutch forensic institute. Tram personnel have used the kit four times before to collect samples and make a report.

This is the first time that it has led to an arrest based on a DNA match. The saliva suspect, who has not been named, is due in court on April 12.

The GVB told Nos they were happy the kits were working, so their trial will be extended for three months. ‘Employees now see that making a report has an effect,’ said a spokesperson.

The kits are being used on tramlines 1 and 17 in Amsterdam.