There should be a way to spray a paint/ink/etc. on these POS that is almost impossible to get off for many days, or weeks. Spray it in conjunction with an organic solvent that will allow it to seep into the skin. I’m sure this is possible. Then use this as a way of finding them and prosecuting them.
OR, spray them with the equivalent of skunk spray, that is equally hard to get off. Let them try to show up anywhere else smelling like that.
Release their names and addresses to the public, and their job information. Go after them with vengeance.
You are entirely correct. Normal citizens ought to be deputized by the tens of thousands to tag these bastards with paintball guns, the ammo containing same dyer as used in bank robbery situations.
Dye packs used in banks come to mind.