Applied DNA Sciences smartDNA® system to protect against copper theft in Sweden

Release Details

• The smartDNA security system is slated be tested on a stretch of rail track; depending on results, the product could be used nationally on the extensive Sweden rail system.

• Theft of copper has become an enormous problem in Sweden and globally. Recently, rail traffic connecting Stockholm, Malmö, and Copenhagen was brought to a standstill after thieves severed the high-voltage overhead lines in order to steal the valuable copper wire inside.

• The adoption of smartDNA to fight copper theft follows the decision of the Swedish National Police Board (RPS) to use the security technology in covert police operations nationwide in Sweden starting in June.

• The partnership between APDN, the Sweden police and the Sweden Transport Administration was facilitated by Safe Solution AB, a security consultant working on behalf of APDN.

• Copper’s soaring market value has made it a tempting target for thieves, more than a few of whom have been electrocuted in theft attempts in the U.S. and Sweden. Copper theft has been linked by law enforcement authorities to methamphetamine use and other drug abuse.

• smartDNA anti-theft systems are being used in banks and retail pharmacies in New York, earning praise from U.S. law enforcement and other officials.

Relevant Quotes

“Thieves get DNA on them and at the same time, we can link what they have stolen to a specific location.  Then we can prosecute them for more serious crime than we do now. DNA evidence marking is well proven in the UK and they have convictions.”

Harly Nilsen, Sweden Transport Administration maintenance officer

“The police are often successful in finding copper theft suspects, along with their haul of copper.  But, legally, if we cannot link them to a specific crime we have to let them go, along with the copper itself. smartDNA may help greatly in this problem.”

Anders Burén, Detective Superintendent and head of the surveillance unit at the regional Criminal Investigation Department in Stockholm

“I have been following Applied DNA Sciences for some time and think this is the beginning of a great application of their technology. I applaud the creative thinking of the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Police for their forward thinking actions.”

Robert Catell, former chairman of the U.S. National Grid

“We have to view this as a problem for society when the thefts are so widespread that they can be compared with the sabotage of important societal infrastructure.”

Gunnar Malm, Sweden Transport Administration chief

“From guitar strings, to electrical wire, to piping to original sculptures, and even copper roofs, our DNA systems will catch thieves, and counterfeiters, and deter future crimes.”

James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences

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