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Sifs India

Key forensics laboratory deals with the examination of keys and ascertains the marks of usage and tool marks over them for insurance company's theft claims. The major tasks performed are the determination of the originality of the keys, estimating the usage of the key, matching the different keys for similarities, etc.

Our well-qualified and experienced team of experts works for the completion of the tasks with utmost dedication. They are trained to distinguish the genuine and fake keys. With their expertise, following standard protocols, our experts analyze cases carefully and provide their unbiased opinion and forensic report.

Key forensic investigation is an exclusive service that Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science provides in India, it was established with the aim to provide assistance to clients such as insurance companies in order to differentiate between fraudulent claims and genuine claims. While there are many organizations providing conventional services, we aim at diversifying our reach. 

Our lab has strict protocols regarding key examination, we use the best of tools for comparative study, and every finding is based on established facts. Utmost importance is given to time management and report writing procedure, as these cases are time-dependent.

The goal of our key forensic department is to provide information achieved after an authentically verified, well-researched, and properly examined process. As it helps investigators and special investigation units of insurance companies and law enforcement agencies to help investigate.


DETERMINATION OF ORIGINALITY OF THE KEYS – It involves identifying whether the keys are original or duplicate/ not issued by the manufacturer. This is done by checking the keys for wear and tear and tool marks over them and examining the metal quality used in the manufacturing of the key/s. Keys are even verified by the manufacturing company.

CHECKING THE USAGE OF THE KEY – It involves the determination of approximate usage of the keys in terms of days/months/year used by the owner/ user of the vehicle by identifying the striation marks formed on the key surface due to insertion of the key in the door and ignition lock.

MATCHING DIFFERENT KEYS – It involves the identification of the similarities or dissimilarities among the keys to check whether they belong to the same lock or not. This is done by identifying the blade pattern, a number of grooves, and other characteristics of the key.  


DIGITAL POCKET SCALE – It is a pocket-sized digital measuring scale, used to weigh the key/s.

DIGITAL VERNIER CALIPERS – It consists of the main scale and sliding vernier scale, used in the laboratory to measure the width and breadth of the bow, length, and other dimensions of key/s.

DIGITAL SCREW GAUGE – It digital equipment is employed for the accurate measurement of length and width of the bow and width of the shoulder of the key/s.

COMPARISON MICROSCOPE – It is a combination of two compound microscopes, incorporating into one unit in such a way that the side by side comparison of two specimen can be made for the presence of striations or wear and tear marks on them, at some time.

MISCOPE – It is a small, portable microscope, used to examine the minute striations marks and other intentional/ unintentional marks, which are not visible by the naked eye. It also has a camera attached to it, which is used to take images for the record.