A RADICAL scheme to tackle metal theft using SelectaDNA has been hailed as 'pioneering' by the Shadow Home Secretary during a visit to Burnley.
Yvette Cooper met staff from Calico (which manages 4,500 homes in the borough), who have implemented measures to prevent metal theft from vacant properties.
When a customer leaves their home, the housing association carries out a routine inspection, during which any vulnerable scrap metal items are painted with invisible marking substance SelectaDNA.
The SelectaDNA system contains a unique forensic code which when scanned can be used to mark and trace both the property and criminals who handle it. Items such as boilers, radiators and lead are being painted.
Ms Cooper visited a house in Berridge Avenue, Lowerhouse, to see the scheme in operation and said that metal theft was of increasing concern.
“The issue has become more prevalent, affecting many households and businesses as well as churches, community centres and commuters,” she said.
“It’s simply too easy to sell stolen metal and I’d like to see loopholes that unscrupulous scrap metal dealers use closed. What Calico is doing here in Burnley is innovative and shows a method that could deter this type of crime.”
Staff have already marked property in around 50 homes, and signs have been put up around neighbourhoods to promote the scheme.
The Association of Chief Police Officers estimates that metal thefts costs the UK economy around £770M per year and in the past year there were 3,014 reported such crimes in Lancashire.
Calico estimates the cost of replacing a stolen boiler is around £2,500 and is working with police and scrap metal merchants to help them identify marked stolen goods.
Calico Homes chief executive, Michael Birkett, said: “Metal theft is increasingly a problem across the country, however this latest initiative will be a valuable deterrent in protecting Calico's properties and ensuring the community are kept safe.”
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