Unique dye helps catch thiefs

Reporter: Ask Rossendale
Date online: 26/04/2008

LANCASHIRE Constabulary has spearheaded a national initiative designed to cut the number of cash in transit robberies.

This type of offence has been on the increase in recent years and traditionally security companies have used ink/dye boxes to try and deter offenders.

However, this method has certain limitations in linking stolen money to a specific theft.

Lancashire Constabulary has collaborated with a company called SmartWater Technology Ltd, as well as Group4Securicor, with a view to getting security companies to use SmartWater solution in addition to the more conventional dye.

Now, Group4Securicor has developed a new type of security case called the ‘i Box’, which contains both dye and SmartWater.

Any tampering with the ‘i Box’ will result in both the money and any offenders being contaminated with the dye/SmartWater solution.

The benefit of SmartWater is that it contains a unique forensic code, similar to having its own DNA. It is invisible to the naked eye, but can be seen under ultra violet lighting.

Once contaminated, it can remain on the skin for weeks and will stay on clothing and other items permanently.

Because of its uniqueness, when an offender is sprayed with the solution it means they can be pinpointed to a specific robbery.

The ‘i Box’ was rolled out within London last October, before arriving in Manchester and Liverpool in December.

Since its introduction, Group4Securicor has seen a significant reduction in cash in transit robberies in the London area. 

Detective Inspector Dermott Horrigan, from Lancashire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “The introduction of the ‘i Box’, which incorporates SmartWater solution, has been driven by Lancashire Constabulary and provides an invaluable tool in combating robberies of this kind.

“It enables the police to proactively target those criminals who seek to make a living out of committing offences of this kind; using extreme force and with complete disregard for members of the public who may be present.

“As the conviction rate for offences involving SmartWater is exceptional, the message for would-be robbers is now clear; if you commit these offences – you will be caught, prosecuted and sent to prison”.

Phil Cleary, CEO of SmartWater and former police officer said: “As a former police officer who frequently investigated this type of crime, and experienced the frustration of not being able to prove a suspect’s guilt, I am delighted that SmartWater is playing a leading role in this initiative. It will help turn the tables on the criminal fraternity and make them think twice about committing this type of offence.”