Not sure about this. BUT.....I would go back to the police station and request that they put that information in writing for you!! Here's one thing I know, if it was in the case of a serial murder killing, they'd be takin' 'em!!!!!

There's a difference between a theft and a murder.

Ah, yes, there is, Mr. PoPo -- but there's no difference in "impossible." ;-)

Some things are possible while others are not possible. Things that are often considered not practical are often said to not be possible but the impossible has been tried and was unsuccessful.

What you say is true. But, if it means something to HIM, a wise man will question whether it's impossible or simply impractical every time.

It's possible, but maybe they don't have the resources to do it with. Mag is right; if it were a capital murder case or something 'important,' they'd be taking that truck apart and coating it with a special 'gaseous solvent' that would bond with the oils from the fingerprints themselves... It has been done before..

Hehehehehe!!! Thanks, Squirrel!!

it is not possible

biggest reason prints are made on the dust and dirt, it wouldn't be possible lift them for comparison, photographing is a possibility but with lighting conditions and angles its ify

Were there finger prints or images of fingers?

While it may be possible to obtain finger prints from a dirty surface, it is often a time consuming process requiring more than the standard powder and tape lifting procedure, and most small agencies just don't have the equipment or the manpower to have Crime Scene Investigative technicians.

Additionally, just because a person's finger prints are on a vehicle doesn't necessarily mean they are a thief, it only means that at some point in time they touched the vehicle.
Also, unless the thief has prints on file you won't know his/her identity to get them to trial. And, unless you have a video recording or an eye witness who can positively identify the person accused, you'd never get a conviction.

Television shows like CSI create false expectations for victims and place a extra burden on law enforcement agencies.

If you have insurance to cover the theft, get a copy of the police report and file it with your insurance company.