Netherlands

Guess the new use for glow-in-the-dark sand from craft and toy shops: solving crimes!

Plain sand infused with phosphorescent materials creates sand that can store light. Once in a dark environment, the sand can glow for hours.

Sand used for kids’ crafts is used by the Netherlands Forensic Institute to analyze how glass behaves in crimes.

When someone, for example, breaks a window or uses explosives in ATM robberies, glass fragments adhere to the perpetrator’s clothing. Investigators must test different scenarios to investigate the likelihood of suspects’ explanations.

Traditional methods are time-consuming, but with glow-in-the-dark sand, it takes days instead of months. Although the technique is new, it shows the potential to save time, resources, and catch criminals.

To solve the crime, follow the footprints left in the sand :-)