Following repeated thefts of metal and builders material from a closed hospital, police have introduced SmartWater technology to try and put a stop to thieves targeting the building.
Aberbargoed Hospital which closed at the end of last year has been repeatedly targeted by thieves so Gwent Police officers have used the forensic liquid to coat metals across the site in a bid to deter criminals. SmartWater solution is invisible under normal light, but glows intensely under UV light making it easily identifiable by the police.
If lead is stolen and turns up with scrap dealers, it can easily be traced back and the offender can be forensically linked with the crime scene. Gwent officers are also equipped with UV scanning devices which are used to search for traces of SmartWater at local scrap metal dealers and other outlets.
Gwent Police Detective Constable Wayne Alexander 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 by police. More and more buildings and property around our local area will be marked with the unique SmartWater technology. Aberbargoed Hospital is clearly signposted to warn criminals of the SmartWater solution."