While the government has today [Jan 20] decided to reject a Bill on changing metal theft law, Essex Police have recently achieved some success in fighting the growing problem in their region by using SelectaDNA.

After a spate of copper gas pipe thefts had left buildings at risk of fire and explosion including £500 of metal piping being stolen at a property in Clacton, Essex Police decided to act.

PC Grant Fryatt said: “Metal theft is not only a huge inconvenience in terms of the cost of repairs for the buildings’ owners but it is also extremely dangerous. [In one incident] the live mains piping was cut with the gas still turned on."

In an attempt to reduce the number of incidents Crime Reduction Officer Dave Gillies has been advising local residents to get any copper they may have at their homes marked with SelectaDNA.

SelectaDNA is designed to protect outdoor materials such as lead roofing and copper piping, by marking anyone who handles it with specially produced grease that police can scan with UV detection equipment and match the code up to a resident.

A scheme has been running in Jaywick since August and Essex Watch Administrator Paul Teague said: "A significant number of properties [in the area] are now covered and we've seen the word ‘DNA’ definitely deters thieves."

The first ACPO Metal Theft Seminar takes place on 8th February at the Kettering Conference Centre, limited spaces are still available via www.metaltheftuk.com 

For more information on SelectaDNA visit www.selectadna.co.uk 

Posted 20/01/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com