Reebok Classics best for thieves
Forensic investigators in Northamptonshire have established the favourite trainer of burglars in the county is the Reebok Classic.
The footwear been named as the must-have fashion accessory for burglars in the county following a study of more than 150 break-ins around the county.
Research carried out by the University of Leicester and Northamptonshire Police forensics expert Dr John Bond found that the 59.99 Reebok Classics were the trainer of choice in more than half of all burglaries in the study. And the findings could prove to be highly beneficial for officers trying to track down criminals, the researchers have claimed.
Dr Bond, scientific support manager at Northamptonshire Police, said it could be a vital way of catching burglars in the future.
He said: "The research can tell forces what sort of person you are looking for. It will give them a steer or point them in the right direction, based on the sort of person they might be, their lifestyle, where they might live, how they dress, purely based on the cost of their shoes.
"This research provides another dimension. Recovering footwear impressions adds value for the scene of crime officer."
The study, published in the Police Review, looked at footprints in 155 burglaries and found Classics were worn by 52 out of 100 burglars in the county.
Research also found unemployed burglars were more likely to fork out around 67 for their felonious footwear, whereas employed burglars spent an average of just 48 on their shoes. It is thought the Reebok classic trainer provides burglars a lightweight option for sneaking around homes, as well as providing support to make a speedy getaway. Through looking at the tread patterns left by a shoe, officers can often establish other issues such as height, weight and the way in which the criminal walks.
Reebok refused to comment on the research.
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