Crime Tech

Federal law enforcement authorities are turning to new tech gadgets such as a little known cellphone-tracking device called a Stingray. The Stingray is designed to locate a mobile phone even when it's not being used to make a call (and often used without a search warrant). It works by mimicking a cellphone tower, getting a phone to connect to it and measuring signals from the phone. In addition to the FBI using it track bad guys, it can help search-and-rescue teams find people lost in remote areas or buried in rubble after an accident.

A new technology calle Shotspotter can help police figure out exactly where a gun was fired, faster than many people could make a 911 call. The system combines acoustic technology with computer programs (used by nuclear power plants and tornado warning systems) to track gunshots down and maybe even stop them. A callback system from Dialogic Communications can even give officers an aerial photo of the gunshot location.

Japanese researchers have found that footsteps are as unique as fingerprints, and can identify people with 99.8 per cent accuracy. "Even if they have the same foot size, even if they have the same shape, [people] load their feet differently, and they do it consistently," Todd Pataky of Shinshu University says. Similar sensors that cost $20,000 could be used in airports to identify passengers as they walk barefoot through security. (Maybe up next, a footstep database for police?)

A new tool that could become a private eye's best friend is not much bigger than a dragonfly. It's a spy drone camera that can also sniff out Wi-Fi and Intercept phone calls. Combined with a GPS car tracker, your typical (or fictional) P.I. could conduct a surveillance and video record the subject without leaving his office. Law enforcement agencies around the country are already using various versions of drone technology.

A shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, recently added a new functionality to its iPhone app for shoppers to find their car, if they've forgotten where they parked it, by entering its license plate number. The local police are looking into the technology to see if they could also use it to find stolen or unregistered vehicles.

On the lighter side: Do you want to look like a criminal and still stay all nice and toasty warm this winter? Have an extra $75 lying around? Then the "Thuggie" is just for you. It's a new take on the popular Snuggie blanket that its manufacturer claims is a freakishly oversized hoodie that will "make you forget pants altogether.'"

And for men who have grocery shopping as one of the items of their "honey do" list, here's a little something to make you feel a little more…well, manly. Or at least rest assured that no one will argue with you over that last T-bone that's on sale for your upcoming game-day BBQ. What are they? Grocery bag brass knuckles. Don't say I didn't give you any Christmas gift ideas this year.