A scheme to tackle metal theft 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 an invisible marking substance.
The Selecta DNA 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 be painted Labour shadow minister, Ms Cooper, was in the town campaigning ahead of the local elections.
She 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 are doing here in Burnley is innovative and shows a method that could deter this type of crime.”