GLOVE PRINTS TRAP CROOKS
BURGLARS who use gloves to avoid leaving incriminating fingerprints are no longer safe – thanks to a Derbyshire expert.
In a world-first, Liane Marsh has created a database of prints left by gloves.
She says that each individual pair of gloves is unique because of the way it is manufactured and because of the marks it picks up as they are used during its lifetime.
Police can use Liane's techniques to link gloves worn by suspects to crime scenes.
Her bright idea is used only in Derbyshire but is currently being reviewed by the Home Office.
Her discovery has already helped police to trap nine criminals since April.
Derbyshire's Assistant Chief Constable, Peter Goodman, said: "Liane's work will help to catch offenders who otherwise may have gone undetected.
"The glove marks database is another example of how Derbyshire Constabulary is an innovative force."
4 Comments
by Shhhhhhh....., Derby
Thursday, December 11 2008, 10:06AM
“OK, it is a wonderful new technique, but what is the point in broadcasting it? Why not keep it secret, test it and use it silently and shock the would-be crooks?!! I do not understand why police have to announce everything before putting any new idea into practice? It is like telling motorists when and where speed cameras will be operating. Do the police have an obligation to let the prospective offenders know which new methods they will be using so that they come better prepared next time? Come on police, use some common sense. Don't tell all your secrets to the whole world.”
by Gary Howard, Trinidad
Monday, December 08 2008, 1:44PM
“Great idea and useful. The uniqueness of the marks on the gloves is as usefull as finger and shoe marks. If the offfender throws them away and they are later found DNA can be used to match to the offender as the markings to the scene. How many people own a glove shop??? silly comment really. You would be supprised at how stupid some criminals are.”
by Richard, Derby
Monday, December 08 2008, 11:34AM
“exactly, and fingerprints are also useful as there is already a database of them to check against, the person could own a glove shop and have many different pairs and sell them off to un-suspecting victims. who knows, either way it would not work.”
by P Carr, Derby
Saturday, December 06 2008, 11:39AM
“I suppose ther are some pretty silly criminals around and some would be stupid enough to keep the gloves after use in criminal activity. However, I think most would soon destroy the gloves before detection.”