Aberbargoed Hospital has been sprayed with an invisible dye to stop thieves raiding it for metal and building materials.
The 22-bed hospital closed in November and has become a target for thieves to plunder. As a result, the building has been treated with SmartWater – a dye which shows up under Ultra Violet light but which is invisible under normal light.
The Smartwater used in each location is unique, meaning thieves who steal lead from Aberbargoed Hospital will be covered in SmartWater which places them at the exact scene of the crime.
Gwent Police officers are also equipped with UV scanning devices used to search for traces of SmartWater at local scrap metal dealers.
Nationally it has already assisted the Police in the detection and successful conviction of more than 1,000 criminal cases.
Detective Constable Wayne Alexander, from Gwent Police, said: “Anyone arrested for metal theft will be examined for traces of SmartWater. A search will be made of the person’s house and any property, including vehicles with traces of SmartWater on them, is likely to be seized by police.
“More and more buildings and property around our local area will be marked with the unique SmartWater technology. Aberbargoed Hospital is clearly signposted to warn criminals of the SmartWater solution.
“The total cost of spraying Aberbargoed Hospital was only £300 – a low cost solution to a high cost problem.
“Gwent Police wants to see a reduction in crime across our community and, thanks to advances in technology, we have taken a significant step in the right direction. We are sending out a clear message that if thieves try to target our customers, they are running a much higher risk of being caught and convicted.”