County technology convicts thief

A Shropshire company has helped secure the first ever criminal conviction using a special dye with a unique chemical signature.

Prolific robber Ali Lwanga is facing jail thanks to Telford firm SmartWater's technology.

Forensic experts found that a SmartWater dye used to mark a special cashbox used by G4S, one of the world's largest cash in transit companies, was the same ink found on Lwanga's cash and clothes.

Lwanga, 21, of East London, was found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court of two counts of conspiracy to rob and one count of money laundering and concealing stolen property following a string of robberies across East London. His sentencing was adjourned.

Lwanga, who claimed he committed these crimes to pay off debts, had recruited a team of youths based in his local branch of MacDonalds, to carry out the robberies, allowing him to direct the attacks from a safe distance.

The court heard detectives were first alerted to Lwanga's activities when he attempted to launder hundreds of pounds using gaming machines at branches of Ladbrokes in Canning Town in November 2007.

Suspicious staff alerted the police who began monitoring Lwanga's movements.

He was subsequently arrested and a search of his address revealed a quantity of stained cash notes hidden under his mattress.

Samples were traced through SmartWater testing.

Phil Cleary, chief executive officer for SmartWater, said: "This conviction is a very positive result for the Met Police, G4S and all other users of SmartWater.

"In this instance, our scientists were able to forensically link the offender to four separate robberies, demonstrating the power of the technology, it is a warning to all criminals to keep away from anything protected by SmartWater."

By Amy Bould