York firm launches metal theft deterrent

York-based Trace-in-Metal’s new technique involves shooting coded micro-dots into metal which can survive being melted down.

The dots are also painted on the surface in a lacquer that can be detected with an ultraviolet torch as a deterrent to thieves.

Trace-in-Metal has already used the micro-dots for the first time in lead on the roof of St Peter’s Church in Huddersfield.

Director John Minary, a retired West Yorkshire Police officer, said: “People are fed up with metal being stolen from their churches and other heritage sites. We now have a way to protect these buildings which is quick to apply, easy to detect and will survive being melted.”

The Church of England nationally has been the victim of more than 10,000 cases of metal theft between 2007 and 2012, costing £27 million to repair.