DeterTech - Experts & Thought Leaders

DeterTech and Torchlight Technologies are pleased to announce a five-year strategic partnership for AmTag, the chemical tagging solution that disrupts the illicit arms trade and prevents the diversion of state-held ammunition.  The deal follows a successful pilot programme to develop and deploy AmTag delivered by Torchlight Technologies, Conflict Armament Research (CAR), the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), and Somalia’s Office of National Security (ONS). This resulted in the Federal Government of Somalia becoming the first country in the world to render part of its national ammunition stockpile fully traceable.  The Somalia pilot project signified a global milestone in Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM), demonstrating that forensic science is an effective method at tackling arms division and corruption, an issue notorious for being difficult to combat. Mission to make ammunition traceability “This extended partnership represents a pivotal, ongoing mission to make ammunition traceability a global norm,” explained Marcus Wilson, CEO of Torchlight Technologies. “The success of the Somalia pilot was just the beginning, and we are thrilled to continue working with DeterTech to scale that success. Together, we aim to work with governments, industry, law enforcement, and responsible end-users to prevent diversion, deter illegal activity, and support investigations.”  Developed in partnership by DeterTech, Torchlight Technologies and Conflict Armament Research, AmTag uses a blend of rare earth elements and fluorescent compounds to create a unique, identifiable forensic “code” detectable under UV light. Redefining ammunition governance It can easily be applied within existing weapon stores or as part of the initial manufacturing processes. The underlying technology, SmartWater, has been used for 30 years to tackle other forms of acquisitive crime and retains a 100% conviction rate in contested court cases. “AmTag is redefining ammunition governance, and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Torchlight Technologies. We’re proud to support governments and global partners committed to reducing illicit arms proliferation through robust, evidence-based solutions.” Rebecca Millership, Forensic & Product Category Manager at DeterTech.  Looking ahead, DeterTech and Torchlight Technologies will continue to promote ammunition traceability, expand deployments, refine technology, and support governments in adopting best-in-class WAM practices. This will ensure global ammunition supply that is responsible, accountable, and traceable.

DeterTech, a major innovator of risk management and crime prevention solutions, has donated £5,000 to National Crimebeat, a youth-focused charity that supports community-led crime reduction initiatives across the UK. National Crimebeat is passionate about empowering the next generation and DeterTech’s donation will aid the charity in continuing to support young people across the UK, rewarding a broad range of initiatives led by young people to reduce crime. National Crimebeat holds yearly awards, inviting finalists to the Royal National Hotel in London to recognise and celebrate the young people shaping impactful initiatives. Grass-root initiatives National Crimebeat, the official youth-focused charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales champions grass-root initiatives that empower young people to take the lead in community projects. In support of this mission, DeterTech has also donated £5,000 to the High Sheriff of Shropshire’s Fund to help fuel these impactful efforts. Beyond financial support, DeterTech is actively involved in community education around safety and crime prevention. Furthermore, the company sees this partnership as a shared mission, to get young people engaged in local policing efforts. Making communities safer “National Crimebeat truly resonates with everyone at DeterTech – making communities safer and providing greater peace of mind to all,” explained Megan Marsh, Partnerships and Events Lead, DeterTech. “Supporting National Crimebeat’s incredible work aligns perfectly with our mission to deter crime and protect what matters most, and we are proud to contribute to initiatives that give young people the opportunity to make positive change and thrive. We can’t wait to see what impactful projects are to come.” Youth led community projects Mandy Thorn MBE DL, Chair, National Crimebeat, added: “We are extremely grateful for DeterTech’s generous donation. With their support, we can continue to celebrate and reward youth led community projects that give young people hope, purpose, and the tools they need to make positive choices.”  This partnership underscores DeterTech’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement, demonstrating that preventing crime is not only about technology, but also about empowering people and creating safer futures for all.

Crime analysts at DeterTech, a trusted security partner to critical infrastructure and law enforcement, are warning of a major rise in reported incidents of copper and cable theft across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Believed to be orchestrated by Organised Crime Groups (OCGs), the direct to threat to UK infrastructure is being driven by the sustained high price of copper, which hit $10,300 per tonne on 25th September 2025 – the highest recorded price since April 2024. Cable theft from rail network Cable theft from the rail network in Wigan resulted in widespread passenger disruption There have been six key incidents reported in the North-West of England since 14th September, impacting energy, transport, utilities and renewables infrastructure. For example, in Bolton a site was targeted for 33 kv copper cable valued at just under £500,000. Meanwhile, the theft of a significant quantity of string cable from a solar farm near Preston reduced the site’s energy output by around 40% risking the local power supply. Back in August, cable theft from the rail network in Wigan resulted in widespread passenger disruption and estimated losses to the UK economy of more than £1million. Deal with the threats Rachael Oakley, Head of Crime Intelligence, DeterTech, says: "The substantial price of copper is unfortunately driving high rates of offending across all forms of critical infrastructure. In order to protect energy, utilities, transport, and renewable infrastructure, it is imperative that fence lines are checked regularly, CCTV cameras are functioning correctly, and alarm monitoring centres are correctly equipped to deal with the threats posed." Critical infrastructure providers, particularly those with sites in the North-West of the UK, are urged to audit site security plans and to consider taking additional steps to deter unwanted attention from OCGs.  Direct threat to infrastructure The current intelligence picture points toward an on-going direct threat to infrastructure, with implications for asset loss service disruption, regulatory penalties and public safety. Operators are reminded to continue reporting all incidents of theft, suspicious vehicles, and hostile reconnaissance to DeterTech and Opal, the national police intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime.

Although inflated fuel prices have somewhat settled since the summer, recent changes in legislation mean construction sites are particularly vulnerable to attempted fuel thefts. Read on to find out what’s changed, and what’s proving effective in mitigating the threat. What are the changes? As of April, this year red diesel can no longer be used in a range of vehicles, including those in construction. That means fuel bowsers are now filled with the same white diesel available to members of the public at petrol stations across the country. In contrast to red diesel, white diesel is not illegal to use in vehicles on public roads and it also attracts a higher rate of fuel duty. As such, it is a much more lucrative entity for thieves to steal and is vulnerable to both internal and external pilfering. It also makes it more challenging to trace perpetrators who can no longer be identified through the presence of red diesel in their fuel tanks.   Who is most at risk? Rural and unmanned sites A rise in attacks has been reported in Thames Valley and Cumbria, areas with a large amount of countryside Rural and unmanned sites are particularly vulnerable, with sites in remote spaces seen as ‘easy money’ for thieves. Indeed, a rise in recent attacks has been reported in regions such as Thames Valley and Cumbria, areas with a large amount of countryside. Construction vehicles and fuel bowsers Construction vehicles and fuel bowsers are both at risk where they are more remote. Often, these sites are poorly lit and barely protected, making them particularly susceptible to larger-scale thefts. By June of this year, a reported 167 cases of fuel thefts had been reported in Cumbria alone, around eight a week. Smaller, temporary construction sites Comparatively, smaller, temporary construction sites are often located in more densely populated and busier areas. These are more likely to be easily seen and well-lit by surrounding street lamps. Sites like these are less vulnerable to heavy siphoning. However, they can still be targeted and, further, face restrictions on the kind of security solutions that can be installed.  For example, tall physical barriers may not be permitted in city areas and there may be a limit on the kinds of CCTV that can be erected. All kinds of construction sites, therefore, face a threat to their fuel security.  Understanding these differences in risk level is the first step to creating a bespoke solution to fuel theft. What next? 1) Deterring entry: A primary and basic line of defense would be installing physical gates and barriers to dissuade criminals from entering Criminals can first and foremost be deterred from a site by its physical appearance and the presence of deterrent infrastructure. A primary and basic line of defense would be installing physical gates and barriers to dissuade criminals from entering the premises. Although simple, deterrents such as these are often all that is needed to discourage and decrease theft. Restricting key entrances to sites also restricts the size of containers or vehicle potential thieves can get onto sites, minimising the financial impact of the theft. Access control systems More sophisticated access control systems can fortify this first line of defence. These allow owners to have greater control over who enters their premises by protecting entrances with a passcode, for example. This can be tailored to specific areas of the site or cover the area as a whole. Access can also be time-restricted, deterring theft during darker hours, a time when it is most likely to occur. In doing so, the flow of authorised personnel can continue while unwanted visitors are restricted. 2) Detecting criminals: The threat of detection and potential conviction is perhaps the biggest deterrent to those wishing to carry out fuel theft. This can be achieved in multiple ways, including: Surveillance CCTV is one of the most effective ways to deter criminals from entering a site. It is important that CCTV cameras are visible, and therefore that the threat of identification is evident to thieves. With good lighting and extensive coverage, CCTV-ed areas are often avoided by criminals looking to steal fuel. Intrusion detection and monitoring 24/7 surveillance and verified visual monitoring systems should be placed in strategic locations to deter thieves You might also consider more fortified versions of surveillance such as rapidly deployable self-monitored camera systems and intrusion detection units for 24/7 surveillance and verified visual monitoring. These systems should be placed clearly and visibly in strategic locations to deter thieves who are unlikely to try their luck against units with both low lighting capabilities and vocal warning systems. With this imposing presence, sites can be safely secured against temporary threats. Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) For site managers seeking further protection and reassurance, intrusion detection and video surveillance units linked to an in-house Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) are a great way to further bolster fuel security on-site. In the ARC, a team of SIA licensed operatives provide around-the-clock monitoring, thus ensuring rapid response to alarm activations and faster on-site action to prevent and detect intruders. In this way, if a theft does occur, it can be dealt with swiftly and its potential impact reduced as much as possible. Forensic marking The threat of identification can also be achieved via forensic marking. Fuel stores, bowsers, pumps, and tanks can be protected with unique forensic marking solutions to provide forensic trace evidence linking a thief to the scene of the crime. Signs and stickers As with CCTV, forensic marking systems must be made visible and signposted to enhance deterrent properties Only needing a sample the size of a speck of dust to test, DeterTech scientists can provide police forces with powerful trace evidence. The more traceable fuel is, the less likely criminals will want to seize it. As with CCTV, forensic marking systems must be made visible and signposted to most effectively enhance their deterrent properties. Labels such as signs and stickers can be used to signal the presence of SmartWater, thus deterring criminals who are familiar with the technology and know that the forensic liquid has a 100% conviction rate in tried court cases. Preventative strategy The rise in fuel theft can be symptomatic both of personal desperation and malicious external criminal organisations. However, it is important to be protected against it regardless of the cause, particularly in the construction industry, where the completion of projects risks being derailed. Understanding the insecurities of different sites makes it possible to build a preventative strategy that can both deter and reduce the impact of criminal attacks.