MEMS has cable theft all tied up!
A rise in the global price of copper, leadand other metals has led to a staggering 340% increase in the number of metal thefts. For Utility Companies, using temporary generation whilst carrying out essential network faults or routine maintenance, this has severe consequences; not only substantial financial penalties but the inconvenience of replacing the cable, additional power failures and increased risks. With the award of a major contract for generator rental, MEMS Power Generation working with EDF Energy have decided the implementation of SmartWater was essential. SmartWater is a state-of-the art security system with over 500 prosecutions to date and a 100% conviction rate. It is being used to protect MEMS entire range of rental generators, copper cables and other assets from thieving hands, assigning them with a unique 'DNA-style' chemical code that is traceable back to MEMS. SmartWater is only visible under UV light and is virtually impossible to remove, acting as an irrefutable link between the product and its owner. With UV lamps now being standard fitment in UK police station custody areas across the country every time a suspect is detained they will be checked for SmartWater. When the stolen cables are stripped of their outer sheath the SmartWater signature remains detectable and the thief will inadvertently spread around more forensic evidence which will be used by the police to aid conviction. This has helped SmartWater to maintain it's 100% conviction rate when used as evidence in court. MEMS Power Generation will be working closely with the Police to set up covert operations to target repeat offenders and theft hotspots. These will see the deployment of SmartWater spray systems, which are used to mark any offenders with a non-hazardous liquid that will stay on their skin and hair for weeks and even longer on clothing. The covert units can be fitted at any location, and will be moved around based on police led intelligence. As part of its co-ordinated security strategy, MEMS Power Generation are also using hi-tech tracking devices as well as other specialist security equipment. Mark Diffey, Director of MEMS Power Generation said: "Metal theft is a nationwide problem, so we have decided to take these proactive measures to deter thieves from targeting our equipment. Police forces across the UK are using SmartWater and are trained to detect it, meaning that once a criminal comes into contact with SmartWater it's simply a matter of time before they are caught."David Coleman, Police Inspector for crime reduction at Medway, Kent said: "Kent Police, along with other Police areas across the UK, has the means to check for SmartWater and we are actively doing so. The evidence provided by SmartWater is undeniable, so my message to thieves is simple - don't risk it, because we will find you and we will convict you."