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Role of DNA-Stained Currency in Gang Robberies within the United Kingdom

NCJ Number
246572
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2014 Pages: 264-267
Author(s)
Breanna K. Mead; James Hayward Ph.D.; Benjamin Liang Ph.D.; MeiLin Wan; Tony Benson; Jennifer Karp B.S.
Date Published
January 2014
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Cash-and-valuables-in-transit CViT robberies have become a substantial problemespecially in the current global economy.
Abstract
Cash-and-valuables-in-transit CViT robberies have become a substantial problemespecially in the current global economy. Over £19.4 million were stolen in 2008 and £17.1 million in 2009 in the United Kingdom alone. The transportation of cash and valuable items between financial institutions has long been a target of robberies in the U.K. After a robbery has occurred, police collect evidence in the form of ink-stained currency. These stained notes are submitted for analysis. Samples are subjected to polymerase chain reaction in order to amplify any possible botanically derived DNA markers present on the notes. After amplification, capillary electrophoresis allows for the deciphering of the DNA profile. The DNA profile is then linked to a particular cash box, and this information is compared with records of whether or not that box had been stolen. The cases below are three such instances where botanically marked currency was used to help solve robberies. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.