Crimebusting technology SmartWater claimed its first major collar last week when two criminals were sentenced at the Old Bailey.
Police were able to identify the two robbers, brothers Sean and Vincent Bradish, after both men were sprayed with the harmless water-based solution during a raid on the Wallington branch of the travel agent Thomas Cook.
SmartWater contains a combination of coded particles modelled on the principles of the human DNA.
The fluid is sprayed on the skin and clothing of offenders by automatic alarms and detection systems.
Each spray is unique to the premises where it is installed.
Forensic analysis of the traces of the SmartWater can prove the water on thesuspect was the same as that supplied to the location at the time of the incident. The water is visible only under ultraviolet light.
The Bradish brothers were infamous during their five year reign, which netted them about £1m, for specifically targeting the offices of Thomas Cook.
When Sean was sprayed by one of the devices in the Wallington branch, they had to change tactics and raid banks and building societies instead.
