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Scarborough Borough Council has adopted a pioneering security technique to combat thieves who target lead roofing.

In the last 12 months crooks have stolen lead from a number of buildings including The Spa and The Rotunda. Not only is it expensive to replace the lead, it can also cost thousands of pounds to repair any damage left by the thieves.

Now, the council has teamed up with experts from forensic security firm SmartWater and North Yorkshire Police to protect some of Scarborough’s most high profile buildings. The strategy involves painting the SmartWater substance on to the roofs of the buildings, which is almost impossible to rub off or remove.

Each of the council’s sites has received its own unique SmartWater code containing a DNA-style forensic signature, so if lead is stolen and recovered by police, officers know where it has come from. The SmartWater code can also be used to link criminals with a particular crime scene. The solution is invisible under normal light, but glows intensely under UV light making it easily identifiable by the police.

North Yorkshire officers are equipped with UV scanning devices which are used to search for traces of SmartWater at local scrap metal dealers and other outlets.

Scarborough Borough Council Asset Manager Plan Officer Alan Dargue said: “Lead thieves cost taxpayers thousands of pounds and we will not tolerate this. These are not victimless crimes, but directly impact on everyone in the Scarborough borough by taking money away that could be diverted towards essential public services.

“SmartWater will act as a significant deterrent to anyone thinking about stealing lead from council-owned buildings.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.”

Shirley Collier, Chief Executive of Scarborough Museums Trust which operates the Rotunda Museum said: “The integrity of the roof is vital to ensure the world-class exhibits we have remain in excellent condition. We welcome the work that is currently being carried out by our partners in the council and hope it deters criminals from targeting this building in the future.”

Phil Cleary, Chief Executive of SmartWater said: “Criminals need to be aware that if they target premises that are equipped with SmartWater then they face a far greater risk of detection and subsequent arrest. The message to all would-be criminals is simple – don’t risk it.”