Anti-theft, asset identification system now on Saipan

DataDot Technology Ltd., an Australian company that has developed theft deterrent and asset identification technologies in the last 16 years, introduced Saipan yesterday to a product that revolutionizes assets security and prevents thefts.

DataDotDNA, a security identification system that protects valuable assets from being stolen, is now available on island through its exclusive distributor, Delta Management.

DataDots is a state-of-the-art identification and anti-theft security system. It consists of polyester substrate microdots about the size of a grain of sand, on which unique information is laser etched.

Each kit manufactured by DataDot contains its own unique code for a given asset, from laptops and SLR cameras to houses and cars. It may be registered on a secure national database for law enforcement access should the asset gets lost or be stolen. Information stored on DataDots can be customized.

Due to its size, DataDots are virtually invisible to the naked eye but can be revealed with the use of a UV light or a magnifying lens. However, they are almost impossible to be removed, making them an effective means for preventing theft and vital for the recovery and return of stolen assets.

Greg Gothard, DataDot Technology Ltd. general manager for business development, said that DataDots have been used extensively in the United States, Canada, and other countries and now they’re introducing it in Micronesia.

“We’re really excited,” said Gothard, adding that DataDots will be launched in Guam today.

Gothard disclosed that the company was originally started by an insurance broker who was getting annoyed by the fact that he’s getting claims for valuables that had been recovered by the police but could not be returned.

“A number of insurance companies around the world recognize the benefit of this [DataDots] because it’s about deterrence and recovery,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Gothard said they have different types of DataDot kits applicable to “anything that’s yours that’s of any value.” Prices vary for these kits. Applying DataDots for a house, for example, would cost under $100.

He noted that the price is a one-time cost. “Once you’ve done it, you’ve done it for life,” added Gothard.

According to Gothard, police enforcers from various countries have had considerable number of convictions and recovery cases thanks to DataDots.

Jim Arenovski, president of Delta Management, said that DataDots serve as another tool for law enforcement to help return stolen items to their rightful owners.

“The opportunity for getting your product back has increased hundreds percent. It’s just a huge increase in getting your product back. That’s what we all want,” he said.

Arenovski added that DataDot’s collaboration with Crime Stoppers International reinforces not just the level of credibility and integrity of the brand but also of the organization.

“Once people understand it’s a crime prevention tool, not just for law enforcement but for the average citizen to protect their asset at reasonable cost, it’s a good show. At Crime Stoppers, we always want to be able to partner with people that are in the crime prevention business and this is one of the few we found that would work out here in the NMI and in Guam,” he said.

For more information, call 235-1668, 287-7037, email deltamgt@pticom.com or visit www.datadotmicronesia.com.