SelectaDNA90x90

“Invisible Ink” Can Help Deter Metal Theft, Burglaries

Scrap metal is a hot commodity these days. With commodities markets drawing investment from those who still lack confidence in Wall Street, metal prices are soaring, which means incidents of metal theft are, too.

The Department of Energy estimated in 2009 that theft of copper wire – from power lines or abandoned homes and businesses – costs the public $1 billion annually, and in Britain, thieves are even swiping sections of railroad track so they can pocket the profits. About 30 states have made efforts to stiffen their penalties against the practice in the past several years.

But two companies in the United Kingdom are working at the problem from the preventive end with invisible, indestructible marking substances that companies and individuals can use to mark their belongings.

One is a transparent adhesive designed to be painted onto such at-risk scrap metal, with celluloid microdots that contain a code identifying the owner of the metal and the adhesive company’s phone number. The microdots can be read under a microscope, and the company, SmartWater Technology Ltd., can then determine if the metals have been stolen or are being sold legitimately.

The adhesive is almost impossible to be clean off, though it could be burned off, so it also contains a mix of rare earth metals can survive fire and attempts at removal.

The other substance, a transparent adhesive manufactured by SelectaMark Security Systems, is more consumer-oriented and can be painted on items thieves are likely to target – televisions, GPS systems or smartphones, for example – with the idea that pawnshop owners could check the items if the thief attempts to pawn them. This adhesive, visible only under ultraviolet light, contains tiny dots embedded in a nickel alloy or in polyester that display a code.

For further security, the Selectamark substance includes short stretches of synthetic DNA, which are unique to each batch of adhesive. The DNA codes are stored with customer details in SelectaMark's database, so even a tiny sample of the adhesive can be used to identify the owner of the object.

And while each of these products can help people recover their stolen goods, the knowledge that valuables are marked with the substance can in itself be a deterrent to thieves, similar to neighborhood watch or alarm company signs.

“With the exception of high-quality security cameras, security doesn’t often lend itself to catching the bad guy after they have been successful in committing a crime,” said Robert Siciliano, a security consultant with ADTPulse.com. “Cutting-edge liquid technology could significantly reduce theft from businesses and consumers traditionally seen by criminals as easy targets."

According to SmartWater's statistics, police departments in the U.K. -- 95 percent of whom use the adhesive -- have experienced a 30 percent to 94 percent reduction in burglary while using the technology. The company also cites a 100 percent conviction rate.

Both SmartWater and SelectaMark also sell a spray kit that can be installed near valuables or doors. A sales associate or motion sensor can deploy the spray, inundating the would-be thief with a similar invisible substance. The substance gets into the skin’s pores and creases, making it impossible to remove for days, which allows the police to identify the person as the thief.

A SelectaDNA home kit costs about $80, and SmartWater sells its kits with annual subscriptions that range from $38 for a motorbike to $135 for a five-bedroom home.

About the Author

Laura Williams is content development editor for Security Products magazine.

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3