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SITA UK TO DETER METAL THEFTS WITH SMARTWATER TECHNOLOGY

SITA UK, the recycling and resource management company, has introduced a new deterrent to combat the growing problem of metal and copper thefts from its landfill power generation sites across the North East.

Four sites in Kibblesworth, Ellington, Pathhead and Seghill have introduced Smartwater technology to all metal and copper wiring to deter the increasing numbers of would-be thieves from stealing them to be traded at local scrap yards.

The former landfill sites across the region in total generate 11,500 kW/hr of green electricity to power local homes and business, with the each wire having the potential to carry 20,000 volts.

Smartwater was first introduced in 2009 by SITA UK at its metal recycling centres to help combat the increasing levels of metal and copper thefts.

The transparent fluid contains a unique DNA code relating to each site and is placed on the wiring. The fluid is undetectable to the eye, but can be seen by the growing number of metal recycling centres operators, who with the police employ ultraviolet lights to detect if the wire has been stolen.

Bob Thompson, SITA Power Operations Manager North East and Scotland, said: “We are acutely aware of the growing problem of metal thefts in the area and hope the introduction of the Smartwater technology will help deter any would-be thieves from stealing the metal and copper wiring.

“SITA UK’s use of the technology will not only add another buffer in deterring the thieves but also help support our main priority, which is the safety of our staff, who have who may unknowingly be in an area which has tampered wiring close-by.”

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