SelectaDNA Grease helps police crackdown on metal theft from churches and other public buildings in Surrey

(17/06/2009)

Theft of metal from church roofs is reportedly costing up to a £1 million a month and local police forces throughout the UK have been actively seeking a solution to the problem.

A scheme using SelectaDNA Grease was introduced by Waverley Police last summer after a continued rise in the theft of materials such as York stone, copper piping, and lead from public buildings. In the six month period from January to June 2008, there were more than 100 lead thefts reported across the borough.

At the launch of the scheme, Waverley Crime Reduction Advisor John Robini, said: “Thieves are taking lead of almost any quantity, from a small roof over a porch, to large church roofs. If this is not noticed straightaway, it becomes a major problem, particularly if it rains which then causes more damage."

When applied to a material such as lead, SelectaDNA Grease will remain on the surface and if touched, stays on the skin or clothing for weeks or even months. If either the lead, clothing or skin are examined within this time it is possible to say exactly which premises it came from as it contains both a UV tracer and a unique DNA code.

Mr Robini said: "Thieves should be aware that we will be checking to find these DNA traces, and it will greatly increase their chances of being caught. It also means that those buying these stolen materials could also be identified, and investigated for receiving stolen goods. If found guilty both offences carry a heavy prison sentence.”

Now in 2009, Mr Robini says that the crackdown has had "a very positive effect". He said: "I am not aware of any reported metal thefts over the past year from public buildings including churches. This type of crime has decreased significantly which is excellent news for the local community. Thieves are definitely being deterred from large-scale metal theft in the Waverley area."

Many police forces are now using SelectaDNA Grease which can be painted onto outside metals such as copper, zinc and lead, all of which are particularly vulnerable to theft. The grease can also be used to protect guttering, finials and metal windows.

In another example, SelectaDNA Grease has been used successfully and without incident in the parish of Fareham in Hampshire since mid-2008.

Keith Burroughs, church warden at Fareham United Reform Church has been using the grease mainly as a deterrent. He explained: “The church is a modern one with a prominent lead parapet which is topped with a metal cross. It is visible from the main road and there has been concern for some time among our parishioners that it could be targeted by metal thieves.”

Mr Burroughs said: “We were looking for a product that would deter thieves in the first instance from even approaching our church premises. We have now painted the parapet roof with SelectaDNA Grease and we have also used it on metal windows and outside lanterns. We have erected warning signs in the car park and also put posters up on church noticeboards and doors.”

Mr Burroughs concluded: “Metal theft from churches is expensive, destructive and inconvenient. We are doing everything we can to protect our church from this mindless form of theft and damage.”

Related topics:  Crime and Fraud Prevention   Detection systems   Tagging vandalism and theft prevention 

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