Applying science to catch country criminals
LJMU forensic scientists are working with Police Scotland to showcase how soil samples can be used to help tackle rural crime.
The forensic methods focus on thefts of high-value materials from protected landscapes such as renewable energy sites, privately-owned land, historically important sites and biodiversity hotspots.
Officers are working in partnership with LJMU’s Forensic Research Institute, Scottish Power Renewables, the Centre for Forensic Soil Science, the James Hutton Institute.
Renewable energy sites are typically remote and can be targeted by criminal groups for theft of high-value assets, vandalism, and trespassing. In such cases, environmental forensic techniques including soil analysis can provide an additional powerful forensic method to link persons of interest with scenes of criminal activity.
Micro-transfers
Soil and vegetation from such locations can transfer onto people and vehicles accessing the sites illegally. These samples can be analysed and compared to provide evidence for criminal cases.
Scientists at the Hutton and LJMU are investigating new analytical methods to investigate these offences and ensure that robust scientific practices are in place to support legal prosecutions.
Soil samples from initially some renewable energy sites in Scotland will be collected and stored at the Hutton, providing a reference database to support any future investigations involving illegal access and criminal activity at renewable energy sites.
Sergeant Lauren Semple from the Rural, Acquisitive and Business Preventions Team, Police Scotland, said: “Tackling rural crime is a priority for Police Scotland which is strengthened by effective partnership working.
Crime detection and prevention
“This project highlights the importance of forensic analysis methods, not only for detecting offences, but for crime prevention also.
“Crimes at these sites can cause a significant financial loss and are also disruptive and disturbing to local communities and individuals’ livelihoods. I am confident this continued partnership will make a real impact with various preventative and enforcement activities.
Dr Kirstie Scott, senior lecturer in forensic bioscience at LJMU, said: “We are excited to be collaborating on this important initiative to help improve safety and security of the land and people of Scotland."
