Police scene of crime officers tackle thefts from cars

Wellington police say thefts from cars are a growing trend, with about 60 of them reported across the district each week. The district's scene of crime officers search daily for fingerprints at the scene of burglaries or on cars that have been stolen or broken into.

Constable Richard Matthews and reporter Adriana Weber on their way to the scene of a burglary. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

Scene of Crime Officers use special brushes and powders to search for fingerprints. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

Constable Richard Matthews dusts for fingerprints on a door where a suspected burglary took place. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

Constable Richard Matthews says some surfaces, such as glass, are easier to find fingerprints on than others. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

Scene of crime officers must take photos to use as evidence. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

An officer inspects the back of a car that was broken into. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

Constable Richard Matthews dusts for fingerprints on a car that was stolen. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

Constable Richard Matthews finds a fingerprint. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

The fingerprint is preserved between two sheets of plastic. Photo: RNZ/Alexander Robertson

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.

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