DataDot

crimestoppers.htm

Crime Stoppers of Bartlesville/Washington County is advocating a new way to discourage thieves from stealing personal valuables, or if items are stolen, a more reliable way for recovery.

DataDotDNA, which are as small as a grain of sand, hold a code on each dot that is stored in a national database which is accessible by police and insurance providers. The code on each DataDot links the property back to the owner and is easily traceable using the database.

Traditional methods of identifying property are often fruitless, said local Crime Stoppers President John Lamb.

"People used to scratch on their Social Security Numbers, but then thieves had their Social Security Number," said Lamb. "Some identify their property with serial numbers but then forget to register them or don't remember where they wrote them down. Also, the thieves just grind down or peel off whatever marks are on the property anyway."

DataDots centralizes it into one number, which police and insurance companies have access to, and the number belongs to that person, said Lamb.

"If someone reports a stolen item, it can be identified in the database," he said. Lamb said the dots are so small criminals won't know they are there. Plus, they are usually hidden in several places.

DataDots can be applied quickly and easily and remain for the life of the asset. Identifying DataDots are sprayed or brushed onto various locations of the person's property. Users can register their dots online.

No matter how large or small an item, DataDots can be used to protect valuables such as cars, motorcycles, stereos, tools, business equipment, copper-containing items, farm equipment and marine craft.

The tiny dots, which are barely visible, are located and read using a magnifying device available to police officers. Thieves have a difficult time trying to locate and remove all of the DataDots, thus hindering their efforts to sell stolen items without fear of being caught.

Warning stickers that come with each package can also serve as a deterrent to potential thieves.

Endorsed by police and Crime Stoppers USA, the local crime stoppers organization is now making the kits available through its website at www.bcrimestoppers.com. The DataDotDNA Crime Stoppers personal protection pack includes coded PIN DataDots with easy brush-on application, application guide and warning identification stickers.

DataDotDNA is manufactured by DataDot USA, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of DataDot Technology Limited, an Australian company that has developed theft deterrent and asset identification technologies for the past 15 years.

Crime Stoppers is a community action program that gives citizens the opportunity to become involved in the fight against crime throughout Washington County and make the community a better place to live, work and go to school. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given leads to an arrest.