A crook trying to break into a car was outsmarted by a new high tech, crime-fighting tool.
Fort Lauderdale Police used the new SmartWater CSI, a forensically encoded liquid that leaves a trace on criminals that touch it, to catch 21-year-old Micheal Jackson.
The liquid, which goes on clear but shines neon when seen under ultraviolet black light, was placed on a decoy vehicle at the Beach Place garage at 17 South State Road A1A.
Officials had set up the decoy, equipped with alarm and video surveillance, at the garage due to a recent string of vehicle burglaries.
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Authorities were notified of a break-in after the alarm was activated. When they arrived at the garage, officials confirmed the vehicle had been burglarized and the SmartWater had been deployed.
Using surveillance footage, police identified and located Jackson. Under a blacklight, his clothes and skin showed the presence of SmartWater CSI.
Jackson was arrested and charged with one count of burglary conveyance unoccupied and is being held at the Broward County Main Jail.
Fort Lauderdale Police unveiled the new SmartWater CSI technology in January. The liquid is non-hazardous, but nearly impossible to remove, leaving a mark for a minimum of five years. The mark is only visible under UV black light.
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Police say the liquid can be sprayed over property or sprayed on a criminal in the middle of a robbery.
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