Following a spate of arson attacks on 5G mobile phone masts, forensic marking company, SmartWater has extended its partnership with Mobile Broadband Network Limited to include the protection of their assets from criminal damage.
Jointly owned by EE and Three, MBNL has – along with other telecom companies – been the subject of several mast attacks from conspiracy theorists falsely linking 5G technology with the coronavirus.
As a result, MBNL has begun to deploy specially-adapted SmartWater SmartSpray systems not unlike those used with other telecoms and utilities companies to reduce crime. It says its systems have already reduced metal and cable theft across the MBNL estate by some 77%.
SmartWater COO, Gary Higgins said: “At SmartWater we understand the importance of connectivity and the value of communication, we are proud of the work we have done to help the telecoms industry protect itself against criminal behaviour. Anyone attacking MBNL Mast Sites now, thanks to our cutting edge technology, run the risk of being forensically linked to the scene of their crime.”
John Watkins, manager of operational security at MBNL, added: “At MBNL we are proud of our close working relationship with SmartWater and their operations team and continue to build on our extensive relationship. We are continuing to use SmartWater solutions and advice to help protect our infrastructure while we #SpeedupBritain.”
Each SmartWater forensic liquid contains a unique identifying code, which is registered to each site. The liquid is invisible to the naked eye but fluoresces SmartWater’s trademarked yellow-green glow under UV light, which is how it is detected by police throughout the UK.
It is the only forensic system that is compliant with the Government’s Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice, and carries a 100% conviction rate.
