CASE NOTES:
Smudges of powder on the floor indicate the presence of sodium bicarbonate - a common cleaning and deodorising agent.
We have established that the area outside the locked crime scene was in the process of being cleaned. The cleaners had sprinkled this powder on the carpet to remove stains.
The thief has left a clear trail. It's not clear enough to match the footprint to a particular shoe, unfortunately, but it may still be possible to get a positive match by analysing shoe scrapings.
Samples have been taken from each suspect... and now need to be carefully tested.
