A pen containing microdots could help you get your valuables back. Once marked, the item obtains its own identity – a number that is linked to you and the pen that you have purchased. The dots are no longer visible to the naked eye but can be seen using a UV torch. ” This was developed to fight the continued residential burglaries and theft,” said general manager for sales and marketing at DataDot Dax Menday.
Menday added that it is not always about the police having to work extra hard, “ It is about the community coming together to try and work hand in hand with the police.” He says that by having a microdot on your valuables, the police would be able to link them back to you by using a system called the National Household Asset Register.
According to one of the directors of DataDot, Greg Turner, all police stations have received the DataDot kit to check if the if items are marked with microdots. “We are also planning in weeks to come to go to police stations and mark police equipment with microdots,” he added.
Linden SAPS spokesperson Captain Alex Vermaak confirmed that police stations were in fact given the Datadot kits. He expressed his thoughts about the system being effective as it can shorten the line of investigation should a person be caught with stolen goods.
Kenbrink Resident’s Association public relations officer Arlene Leggat, believes that if every household made use of the microdots, their house would no longer be as appealing to criminals. ”I like that when a kit is bought, there are also warning signs that come with it. The warning signs can be put outside on your gate, doors and windows,” said Leggat.
