A Physical Match of a Metallic Chip Found on a Bolt Cutters’ Blade

Abstract

Bolt cutters are known as devices which are used for cutting hard objects and rigid materials such as padlocks and bars. They are commonly used in instances of forced entries. In this case study, a bolt cutter was found in the car of two suspects in a grocery burglary. This study indicates how the presence of a small metallic chip found on a suspected bolt cutter can prove that the tool was used in the crime scene. During the initial examination, a metallic chip from the cut shackle padlock was found stuck to one of the bolt cutters' blades. By comparing the metallic chip's microscopic edge and the breaking (fracture) line of the padlock's shackle, a full physical match was noticed. We wish to report here how residue, even the smallest, can be used to link burglary tools to a crime scene with a high level of certainty.

Photographic comparison of surface topography as a viable solution when physical match is challenging

“…Tearing or breaking processes are random. Therefore, the resulting marks and/or imperfections that appear in the tearing/breaking region are of random nature as well, quote: "Tearing conditions are irreproducible" [9], and "… fractures or separations… will result in unique patterns" [6]. Tsach et al [11].…”