Yorkshire stone paving slabs in Bramley and Stanningley have been forensically marked with DeterTech’s SmartWater™ technology in a bid to deter criminals from stealing them and assist West Yorkshire Police in bringing thieves to justice. The SmartWater is invisible to the eye but can be seen under ultraviolet light and is guaranteed to last a minimum of five years.
Leeds City Council said the product has a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases. Bramley and Stanningley councillors Kevin Ritchie, Tom Hinchcliffe and Caroline Gruen said: “We welcome this measure to protect the Yorkshire stone paving in the Warrels area of Bramley. It is an attractive residential area, with heritage value and a great asset to the community. “It is quite disgraceful that there have been attempts to steal these flagstones in the past.