BT launches drive to target cable thieves
Telecoms giant BT today launched a drive to target thieves who steal cables in the face of a big increase in the crime fuelled by surging scrap copper prices.
Thieves are targeting the copper contained in the local telecoms network, leaving affected areas cut off and costing BT millions of pounds every year. There was a 9 per cent increase in incidents last year, leading to more than 200 arrests. BT's Openreach Division has started to use SmartWater, an invisible solution which forensically tags thieves, staying on their skin for up to 60 days.
Detective Inspector Robin Conway of British Transport Police said: "Anyone arrested for metal theft will be examined for traces of SmartWater. A search will be made of the person's house and any property, including vehicles with traces of SmartWater on them, is likely to be seized. Scrap metal dealers will also be visited."