Putting the Squeeze On Broadband Copper Robbers 282
nk497 writes "As the price of copper rises, thieves have taken to stealing broadband cables, taking out internet connections and slowing down the rollout of super-fast broadband by giving engineers more work to do. To battle the criminals, UK provider BT has 21 investigators on staff to track down thieves and has started using SmartWater bombs that spray stolen property and the criminals. The SmartWater liquid carries a DNA fingerprint that links a criminal to the scene of the crime and police units carrying ultra-violet light detectors can use the incriminating stains to make an arrest after the trap has been sprung. 'We had one case recently where someone in Dagenham was stopped and searched after acting suspiciously and the police used a UV light on them and could show that they had been tampering with the equipment,' said Auguste. The SmartWater liquid can also be pasted inside cables, making them easier to trace — and less appealing to scrap metal buyers, helping to cut demand for stolen copper."
Enhance! (Score:3, Funny)
Why get in so much trouble?
Can't they just enhance a Google Maps photo?
Smart water? (Score:4, Funny)
The SmartWater liquid carries DNA
So now we're calling it smart water?
Also, eeeeew! eeew! God why! eeeew!
And also, the marketing concept of "smart drink" has just gone to hell.
And finally. "Smart water? Who came with that idea?"
Hmm... (Score:3, Funny)
This sounds like something out of a mother's-basement-dweller's worst nightmare!
Re:Scum Bags (Score:5, Funny)
I'll be sure never to take YOUR sandwich from the office refrigerator...
Re:Copper broadband? (Score:1, Funny)
i wonder, which is easier for trigger-happy hunters to shoot down, fiber or copper?
Maybe BT should go Google on their copper and burry it?
Soooooo...... (Score:5, Funny)
So, I mess with your package, and I get sprayed with a florescent liquid containing DNA.
I hope they don't try to patent this, as I think there may be prior art.
Re:Smart water? (Score:3, Funny)
On the plus side, Smart Water bottles themselves are a great size/form factor with heavier plastic than most brands - I bought a case for that reason. Sort of like "disposable" Tupperware.
Re:Copper broadband? (Score:1, Funny)
Yeah. Cutting fibber to just find out it's not worth stealing would really help. Broken fiber sill works, right?
Oh how I miss good ol' times after collapse of USSR when electric trains where not running due to stolen wires...
Re:Economic opportunity (Score:4, Funny)
". . .Nativity . . ."
I don't think that word means what you think it means. I believe the word you are looking for is "naivety".
Re:Soooooo...... (Score:4, Funny)
I think you should maybe see a doctor... :P
Re:Mod Parent Up (Score:2, Funny)
I walked out of Sainsbury's with a bottle of whisky that the cashier hadn't taken the tag off of. I just pretended that nothing had happened and continued on my merry way without being challenged. It probably helped that I was drunk at the time.
Re:Perhaps (Score:4, Funny)
Perhaps move to fiber should be considered
Having that much trouble shitting?
Re:Mod Parent Up (Score:2, Funny)
I'd have to agree, though it's typically the drunk who's driving the straightest line possible... at 7 miles an hour, on the interstate.
Re:Perhaps (Score:4, Funny)
You mean flashers and rapists?
Yes, I deliberately ignored the second hyphen for attempted comic effect.
Re:Mod Parent Up (Score:3, Funny)
"Obviously they're a felon! ...a witch! Burn her!"
Burn? Vote for her!