Raider sees red
30 May 2006
A 48 year-old man, recently arrested on suspicion of robbery after an armed raid at an off-licence in the Blackburn area may be linked to the crime following the activation of an IBP smoke-dye till device.
 |
 |
|
|
| Smoketrace™ dye has been designed to assist police in securing convictions in the event of a robbery. |
|
|
|
Police are now investigating links between this incident and six other robberies in the area over the previous few weeks.
The cash taken during the off-licence raid contained a device that emits bright red smoke to attract the attention of witnesses; the smoke-dye also stains the money rendering it worthless and stains textiles and skin that it comes in contact with, often providing the police with important forensic evidence.
In a recent survey conducted by Banknote Watch it was revealed that over 26,000 smoke-dye systems are in place in the UK, installed in banks, post offices, building societies, betting shops, off-licences, travel agents and convenience stores. These systems not only deter robberies taking place in the first place, but are also a powerful tool for the police should a raid take place, providing strong evidence of a criminal’s involvement in the offence.
Recent developments now enable IBP to include a unique identifier named smoketrace™ in the smoke-dye, which has been designed to assist police and forensic laboratories in providing conclusive evidence so that, if a stained banknote is found, police are now able to identify its origins back to the specific incident location.
Neil Chrismas, Marketing Director of IBP International, said: “Although I am unable to talk about this case, there are occasions in our business when we help convict serial criminals who leave behind them a wake of terror and humiliation. When we are successful, it is very motivating to all of us on the Robbery Products side of IBP.”
For more information, contact Kim Guthrie at IBP International or call +44 (0)1428 641399.
|
