BT steps up cable theft campaign

BT has stepped up its fight against cable theft by using a special liquid to mark its equipment and anyone who tries to tamper with it.

By using the system, which can establish a forensic link between criminals and damaged cabling, BT hopes to protect copper cabling from theives attracted by the rising scrap value of copper.

The SmartWater system uses a special liquid to mark the outer shell and inner core of cabling in areas that BT considers to be at risk. The liquid will spray anyone who attempts to interfere with the cabling.

Though it isn't visible to the naked eye, under ultraviolet light it shows up and can stick to human skin and clothing for up to eight weeks. It is also possible to identify exactly where the markings were picked up so suspects can be linked to a particular criminal act.

Bernie Auguste, BT Openreach's head of Security, said: "From now on, any criminal who targets the BT network risks being invisibly ‘tagged' with SmartWater, meaning that the police can trace them, and any stolen cable or equipment, back to the scene of the crime.

"Cable theft affects not only us as a business, but the millions of people who rely on access to phones and broadband across the UK, and with the help of this technology we're fighting back," Auguste continued.

Detective Inspector Robin Conway from British Transport Police 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. Scrap metal dealers will also be visited regularly to ensure they are assisting British Transport Police in identifying criminals attempting to sell stolen metal," Conway continued.

BT insisted that it took the problem of cable theft seriously back in April after it had to replace nearly 3km of copper cabling after damage by thieves left around 1,400 customers without telephone and internet access.

BT said that there was a 9 per cent rise in deliberate attacks on its network last year and said that it spends millions of pounds every year.