BT finds smart way to snare cable thieves

How Smart-Water stains crooks

A new weapon has been launched in the fight against crime . . . and it will leave cable thieves red-handed.

British Telecom has begun using SmartWater — a forensically-coded invisible paint which tags metal thieves.

The communications giant has been forced to act by a recent surge in scrap copper prices which has resulted in increased metal thefts. Greater Manchester is the worst-hit area.

Thieves have targeted the copper contained in the local telecoms network, isolating vulnerable people and in some cases limiting access to emergency services.

Last year saw an increase of 9 per cent in incidents of deliberate attacks on the BT network costing the company millions of pounds.

BT’s Metal Theft Taskforce is stepping up its response, along with British Transport Police, by using the SmartWater to deter thefts and capture and convict persistent offenders.

Head of security, Bernie Auguste, said: “Any criminal who targets the BT network in Greater Manchester now risks being invisibly tagged with SmartWater, meaning that the police can trace them, and any stolen cable or equipment, back to the scene of the crime.”

SmartWater will be used to mark the outer shell and inner core of cables, tools and other equipment, allowing police to identify where any stolen items have come from.

Trap devices will also be deployed in hot spot areas which spray thieves with the liquid so they carry evidence of their crime on their skin and clothing.

Detective Inspector Robin Conway, from British Transport Police, said: “Cable and metal theft is high on our agenda due to the disruption and economic effect it has on businesses and communities.

“Scrap metal dealers will be visited regularly to ensure they are assisting British Transport Police in identifying criminals attempting to sell stolen metal.”

Patrols are also being set up, new locks for manhole covers introduced and police forces are drawing up sting operations to target metal thieves. Last year, BT worked with police to achieve over 200 arrests.