Smartwater
Will Test Your Metal
An operation to clamp down on thieves cashing
in on stealing metal, then trading it in at local scrap yards, is being
carried out across Teesside.
Operation Graphite has been running in Stockton since April and has been
a great success.
Neighbourhood Policing Teams across Stockton are now working closely with
VOSA and local scrap yards to cover metal across the district in Smartwater.
Lead and other metals on churches, schools and homes, as well as grates
and drain covers, have been sprayed with the special water which shows
up under UV light. Some building firms are also using the water to spray
metal building materials used on new-builds across Stockton.
Inspector Steve Young of Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
'Over the last year, there has been a steady increase in the number of
thefts of metal from houses, churches and other buildings.
'The demand for metals such as copper and lead in countries like China
has led to a rise in their scrap value, and thieves have been cashing
in.
'We are working closely with local scrap metal merchants, Smartwater teams
and VOSA in order to stop thieves trading stolen metals for cash.
'Metal handed in to the scrap yards will be placed under a UV lights on
the conveyor belt, and UV lights have also been installed at the counter
where the cash is signed for. If Smartwater shows up on the metal or the
person trading it in, they will be arrested for theft or handling stolen
goods.'
'Basically, this is a warning to thieves not to bother stealing lead flashings
or other metals as there are no scrap yards in the area who will accept
it. If you do attempt to take stolen goods to scrap metal merchants we
have officers there to arrest you.'
Superintendent Martin Campbell who leads a forcewide team focusing on
this crime said: 'Cleveland Police has been extremely successful in driving
this type of crime down in the force area. Theft of metals is one area
where global economics are having a disproportionate influence on our
fight against crime. Partnership working with the metal recycling in a
proven way of deterring this type of criminal activity.'
