TYRE PRINTS AS CLUES

Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3302, 28 May 1931, Page 2

TYRE PRINTS AS CLUES

EXPERTS CAN READ THE PATTERNS. The tracking of cars by the imprints of their tyres is a novel system under consideration by police authorities, who are planning new weapons to aid them in their war* against criminals who use cars. The Sunday Chronicle learns that the system hinges on the fact that no two tyre patterns are exactly alike in design, and that wear causes marks and scars which enable an expert to identify the tracks they leave. A police expert who has successfully introduced the system in America states that immediately after a car crime police guard all the roads nearby and examine the surfaces for the marks of the car's wheels.

The chief investigating officer identifies the mark, and thus obtains strong evidence which helps materially in proving the identity of suspected cars. Hundreds of suspect cars must have to be examined, but the chances of discovering the right one are believed to be strong.

It is hoped to perfect the system so that it will be possible to take prints of a car's mark left on the pavement or on concrete. Although these marks are invisible to the eye, they can be "developed" by brushing with aluminium powder. In some cases where a series of thefts have been committed it has been possible to obtain prints of each tyre, and, with the knowledge of their position, it has not been difficult to catch and convict the criminal. By careful measurement of the tyre marks it is possible to deduce important facts, such as whether or not the car was loaded or unloaded, the number of occupants, and where they were sitting, as well as the speed of the car.