New security measures to help prevent equipment theft from Metrolink

Transport for Greater Manchester have teamed up with Greater Manchester Police to introduce new cutting edge measures to prevent and tackle the theft of equipment from the Metrolink network. All too frequently we have to report on another theft of copper wires from the network leading to severe delays but it is hoped these new measures will help to prevent this happening as regularly.

SmartWater and Signature Materials are to be used as part of these measures. SmartWater leaves a long-lasting unique identifier that in invisible to the naked eye while Signature Materials provide unique metal signatures. Both products are linked to national registers, accessible to police, to secure evidence to prosecute criminals.

Peter Cushing, TfGM Metrolink Director, commented: “We have done a lot of successful work, with GMP’s guidance, to reduce theft and damage to the network, including CCTV, targeted police operations and replacing desirable cable materials with less valuable but equally functional ones. The types of incidents we are targeting can have huge impacts on the network and can cause severe disruptions to passenger journeys. It is also important to remember that Metrolink covers its own operating costs without drawing on public subsidy, so expensive damage to the network reduces the funds available for future investment.”

John Woods, Greater Manchester Police Co-ordinator for Operation Alloy, said: “As part of Operation Alloy, Greater Manchester Police have made a 34 per cent reduction in metal theft when comparing May 2013 to May 2014. The key to this success has been through our work with partners such as Transport for Greater Manchester and it is due to this that we are able to continue to bring those offenders involved in metal theft before the courts. Metal theft is not a victimless crime, in fact it causes a huge inconvenience to people in the form of power cuts, trams being put out of service or broadband and telephone networks being affected.”

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