Landlords are being urged to be vigilant after a spate of burglaries at empty properties in areas of Sunderland.
Empty houses at Tower Street, Ridley Terrace, Noble Street and the “Long Streets’ area of Hendon, have been targeted by burglars who have stolen copper piping and boilers.
Police are now urging landlords to work with police to cut the number of burglaries in the area. Officers are on hand to dish out crime prevention advice as well as refer them to the SmartWater scheme - a pioneering new initiative that uses a colorless liquid to uniquely mark items so they can be traced to their owners if stolen.
A SmartWater scheme led by police, Sunderland City Council and Back on the Map, was recently launched in the area and a number of local empty properties were marked. Detective Inspect or Gareth Craig of Sunderland Area Command, said: “Through the use of SmartWater, property owners will be able to assist us in finding and bringing to justice thieves operating in their area. The technology can provide us with solid evidence that recovered goods have been acquired unlawfully, also enabling us to swiftly trace them back to their rightful owners”
Acting Inspector Lee Butler, of the Sunderland East Neighborhood Policing team, added: “I would urge all landlords with properties in the area to work alongside us to reduce the number f break-ins at empty properties.
“I would also ask them to contact either ourselves or the council to make us aware when tenants leave a property and it is lying empty. As well as providing crime prevention advice we can refer them to the SmartWater property marking scheme allowing us to trace any stolen materials and improve our chances of detecting criminals.”
Plumbers are also being warned to be wary of where boilers they fit come from. Acting inspector Butler said: “I would also urge those in the plumbing trade to be aware of the origins of any boilers they are asked to fit. Boilers removed from these homes by untrained professionals could he dangerous if re-installed in another premises. If you are approached to install a boiler that is unpackaged and are unable to verify its origin, or if anyone tries to sell you copper piping then please contact us immediately”