Help is at hand for those combating metal theft thanks to a revolutionary new type of forensic marking technology, which could help turn the tide against criminal gangs.

Metal theft in the UK is reaching new highs as demand for scrap increases and businesses across the country are left on the frontline.

The problem is so bad that it is now considered a major threat to the UK infrastructure, second only to that of terrorism by the British Transport Police - according to a recent article in the Daily Telegraph.

The trade in illegal metal, which is earning criminal gangs millions of pounds a year, is now a common worry for commercial property owners up and down the country.

But RedWeb Technologies have developed a pioneering tool to help combat this growing problem. The technology uses what is known as Advanced Molecular Taggent Technology (AMTT) to help link criminals to the scene of their crime.

AMTT is 500 times more sensitive than current DNA technology and poses a real threat to thieves hoping to avoid police detection.

It involves a unique forensic molecular code that identifies each and every taggent particle to a secure database.

AMTT is also more resilient to battery acid, UV light and heat than existing technologies making it the best choice to protect vital assets.

Once apprehended, police can scan an offender with UV and the forensic marker will glow bright red, indicating the thief has handled stolen goods.

With a centrally based lab, the company can turn around forensic results on sample clothes between 24 and 48 hours later.

It is so advanced that only a 1x50micron particle of AMTT is needed to yield a forensic match, an unparalleled level of accuracy.

As a result, the technology makes it easier to secure a conviction in court. It helps to trace the pattern of movement by a stolen piece of metal, which can often be passed to a third party very quickly.

Chris Smith, RedWeb Sales Director, said: "With metal and copper theft at an all-time high, RedWeb's Advanced Molecular Tagging Technology (AMTT) can be a god-send to companies across the country."

RedWeb's Advanced Molecular Tagging Technology (AMTT) is available in various sizes from 32ml sprays to 5 litre tubs as a grease and lacquer, meaning small and large items can be protected.

RedWeb also have burglary and robbery applications where the tagging technology is deployed onto the offender. The company also has a hand-held spray for use by licensed security staff against a violent attack.