E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Selectamark
SelectaDNA anti-theft technology includes nickel allow and polyester microdots embedded in nearly-impossible-to-remove transparent adhesive that allows everyone from cops to pawn shops to identify the rightful owner of stolen goods. The dots are legible under ultraviolet light.
Thieves may be finding it more difficult to pawn off stolen goods, thanks to new technologies that can put invisible marks on everything from copper wire to flat-screen TVs. Two British companies at the forefront of the technology, Selectamark Security Systems and SmartWater Technology, were recently profiled by PhysOrg.com and The Economist.
The companies liken the technology to uniquely identifiable synthetic DNA that is permanently attached to goods. The microscopic markings can help scrap dealers, pawn shops and cops determine if the loot under consideration is stolen — and, if so, from where.
Microdots and adhesive
SelectaMark's technology is called SelectaDNA. It's a nearly impossible-to-remove transparent adhesive embedded with nickel alloy or polyester microdots (see image above) that contain a unique code and phone number. The information glows in ultraviolet light and can be read under a microscope.
Each batch of adhesive also has a unique marking. The code is stored along with customer details in a database. That way, even a tiny bit of adhesive can be used to identify the rightful owner of the object. A "home kit" costs about $80 (50 British pounds)
Rare earth combo
SmartWater's concept is similar: a transparent adhesive with celluloid microdots imprinted with a code that identifies the owner and the company's telephone number. This too is legible under a microscope.
In addition, SmartWater adds a unique combination of 30 rare-earth materials to the adhesive that can be used to identify an object even if the adhesive coating has been burned off, according to reports. This combo is a bit harder to decode, but a suspect batch of wire, for example, can be sent to SmartWater for lab analysis. The system is sold on an annual subscription basis, at a cost ranging from $38 (24 British pounds) for a scooter to $135 (84 pounds) for a five-bedroom home.
Both companies also sell spray-can kits that can be placed over a door or cash register, for example, and could be triggered by a motion detector or a shop owner. The spray leaves an identifiable marking on the thief's skin and clothing that lasts for days.
"The spray lodges in pores and creases in the skin, as well as nostrils, available to the swab of a curious police officer and branding the thief as effectively as his own DNA would, had he been careless enough to leave any at the scene of the crime," The Economist notes.
These technologies join other high-tech anti-theft devices such as the unique fingerprints for product tracking made by Nintendo subsidiary Siras.com in Redmond, Wash., which clamps down on warranty fraud.
More stories about anti-theft technologies:
- Anti-theft software could generate security hole
- Fingerprint smudges thwart smart phone security
- Fingerprint reader meant to replace passwords
- Reality of fingerprinting not like TV crime labs
John Roach is a contributing writer for msnbc.com. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by hitting the "like" button on the Cosmic Log Facebook page or following msnbc.com's science editor, Alan Boyle, on Twitter (@b0yle).
Leave a Comment:
While really really cool, I don't think pawn shop owners are going to get out the microscope to verify ownership of each and every item they purchase.
And how is the microdot linked to me as a "legitimate owner" anyway? What if I buy something legitimately, and the microdot says I own it -- but then I give it away? How will the system be updated?
Is there supposed to be some sort of central database keeping track of shifting ownership? Is this database unhackable?
What if I say I own something, and somebody says the microdot says otherwise. How do I convince them I'm right?
I see a lot of potential flaws here.
Its no different then items with recorded serial numbers now. The trusted database that's unhackable is the same database the police department uses now. The legitimacy is no different then reporting an item stolen today. All this does is make it more difficult to remove the serial number. No tracking of ownership needed. If its not reported stolen then its not worth investigating now or with this product in place.
The flaws are the same as it is now, just greatly reduced... to this size of a microdot. Amazing. Its hard to remove a serial number that you don't even know is there.
No tech is unhackable.... improbable, maybe...
And if a pawn shop gets a large item, such as a TV, where would this dot be located? It doesn't look very big and it's invisible. Doesn't that make it hard to find? More info would be helpful.
There needs to be an automatic reward system if there is to be a compelling reason to search for this microdot. We need these microdots inserted into ammunition and/or ammunition casings, too, so ammunition used in the commission of a crime can be backtracked to the purchaser. Owners could have these microdots installed into their firearms (by law one day ???). - RC
There could be a tax added to the purchase of certain items as a way of funding an automatic reward system one day. Just a suggestion. - RC
So the technology is been there to trace lost cellphones, but do carriers do it? NOPE. There is nothing in it for them. So it's not the lack of technology, it's that, well, unless sum1 takes a cut, it's not gonna happen.
The problem with this 'justice' system does not seem to be the capture and arrest of criminals but rather the lack of a substantial punishment. Far too often, these courts are nothing more than probation-machines or catch-and-release programs.
Why waste officers' and investigators' effort, patience, and resources only to have had them waste more time in the apprehension of criminals, then these scum will ever serve?!?! Fix this and you're readily on your way to reducing crime.
I can certainly see the benefits to the criminal justice system. I'm not arguing with that! But it seems too "Big Brotherish" to me. My God, there are so many survailance cameras around right now, you dare not walk down the street and pick your nose w/o someone watching.
I think automobile manufacturers could use this on the manufacturer car parts, to cut down on stolen cars which get chopped by thieves. This would protect the market for new car parts from the manufacturers. This could really bring down car insurance rates one day if they do. - Rick Carter
Good point Ajoke - must be soul destroying for the cops to do all the work only to see the criminals walk out of court with a slap on the wrist.
I see that smartwatr was featured on CSI NY - no mention of microdots, so slightly puzzled....? Looks like a good idea but it won't get the attention of the criminals unless some are sent to jail!
(link to videos here: www.youtube.com/smartwatertv.)