SECURITY at Southern Water sites across Hampshire are being beefed up.
An invisible security tagging system called SmartWater has been sprayed onto generators, cables and other equipment to deter thieves.
The system works by coating items in an invisible, long-lasting layer of liquid containing a unique chemical code. The liquid is only visible under ultraviolet light and cannot be washed off.
Phil Jackson, Southern Water's resilience and security manager, said: “Our message is simple. Steal from us and you will get caught - so don't even try.”
As well as identifying property and linking it back to specific sites and owners, SmartWater can be used by police to identify criminals who come into contact with it.
Police and SmartWater investigators are also carrying out visits to scrap metal and recycling yards, with dealers being issued UV lights so they can check for SmartWater.
Those found to be purchasing SmartWater-marked metal could face charges of handling stolen goods.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here