Metal Protection
One of the fastest growing crimes in the UK is metal theft. Copper, lead, stainless steel, aluminium and scrap iron are being targeted by thieves looking to cash in quickly. An increase in demand for these metals from Asian markets has created a thriving international scrap trade, driving prices sky-high. Copper theft is of particular concern, with thieves targeting gas pipes, electrical wiring, copper cable, lightning conductors and flashing that can all be stripped from void properties, industrial buildings, offices, building sites and even public areas. The metal is then sold on to scrap yard dealers for profit.
Taking Action Against Metal Theft
SelectaDNA’s range of forensic marking products can help deter metal theft in the first instance, but in the event of a crime, identify the thieves responsible, giving Police the indisputable proof they need to bring criminals to justice.
Derailing Metal Theft
With estimates that cable theft from railways has cost the UK economy £1 billion, the crime wave continues with up to eight cases of attempted rail metal theft a day. Aside from the obvious dangers associated with the crime, metal theft has also caused the delay or cancellation of over 35,000 rail services in the last year alone.
Leading the Charge against Church Raiders
Metal theft from churches across the UK is reaching epidemic proportions with more than seven churches being attacked each day. Thieves are targeting lead and copper from church roofs leading to extensive damage including leaky roofs and dangerous stonework caused by the metal literally being ripped from the building. Over the past four years, metal theft claims from churches insured by the Ecclesiastical insurance group have now exceeded £25m, with over 9,000 claims.Hundreds of churches throughout the UK are now using SelectaDNA Grease and SelectaDNA Trace to safeguard valuable metal roofs, flashing, and even church bells!SelectaDNA Grease is an invisible coded solution that transfers onto the thief’s hands or clothing and is almost impossible to remove. An ultraviolet light is used to expose traces of the substance on suspected thieves.
Helping Councils Protect Metal Stock
Following a surge in metal theft of local authority property including manhole and drain covers, street furniture, road signs and statues, councils are calling for a change in legislation that will ban cash payments for scrap metal. Metal theft is costing councils thousands of pounds a week but it is not just the financial implications that are cause for concern. The theft of drain covers leaves drainage shafts unprotected, creating serious risk of personal injury, as well as possible damage to vehicles.
