A burglary let an Australian scientist to develop a technique that could help police find fingerprints easily at the crime scene. The young scientist Kang Liang has developed a technique that makes fingerprints of a burglar glow at crime scene.

The journal Materials Science has published the young scientist’s research this week. According to Liang, the new technique will allow investigators to get fingerprints of a burglar just by using a drop of liquid containing luminescent crystals. When the crystals are applied to fingerprints, they create a contrast between the clues left by a burglar and surface.

The luminescent crystals can glow under ultraviolet light. According to Liang, detection is going to be easier with his new technology. Investigators and forensics experts use many kinds of techniques to get some clues about a criminal. In some cases, they need evidence to examine in a lab.

The new technology is going to eliminate those steps, said Liang. Police and forensics experts can now investigate evidence on the spot. They can use a digital device at the crime scene to capture images of the glowing prints, Liang added.

While talking about burglary in his house, Liang said, “When my house was broken into, and knowing that dusting has been around for a long time, I was inspired to see how new innovative materials could be applied to create even better results”.

Now Liang has been planning to partner with police forces around the country.