February 2016 marked a major milestone for South African microdot manufacturer, DataDot, which reached its 3-million-vehicles-fitted mark since its inception in 2001. What makes this milestone significant is that at the end of August 2015, a total of more than 3.1 million vehicles have been microdotted in South Africa, around 25% of the total motor vehicles of South Africa.
Currently, more than 40 000 vehicles are fitted monthly with DataDot, the market leader in microdot technology. With its head office nestled in George, Western Cape, DataDot boasts almost 400 fitment centres nationwide. DataDot is also the preferred supplier of South African OEM vehicle manufacturers, including Toyota, BMW, Nissan, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Kia.
Microdots on vehicles have been proven to reduce the risk of theft by 
50% and is a legislative requirement on all new vehicles and those that require a police clearance. The DataDot Secure System supplies a cost-effective and easy-to-use technology that gives all valuable assets a unique, secure identity. The system increases the risk and difficulty for criminals trading in stolen goods, by linking the asset to its rightful owner.
More than 16 000 SAPS members, metro police members, traffic officers, vehicle identification specialists and insurance investigators have been trained to make use of microdots. More than 7 500 vehicle identification kits, (i.e. microscope and UV light) have been distributed within the police services.
Statistics show that the theft rate of vehicles fitted with microdots is considerably lower than the national average. The recovery rate of vehicles fitted with microdots is more than 55% compared to the national average that ranges from 30–35%.
DataDot is also rolling out an innovative and cost-effective microdotting solution for household assets, such as home entertainment systems, cell phones, tablets, cameras, watches and sports equipment, with the pay off line “Give your valuables their own DNA”.
The cycling industry with its high value equipment and recent spate of bike thefts and hijackings stands to benefit greatly from this. Apart from the obvious benefits as a theft deterrent, the industry would be able to use the microdots as identification of parts, keep service records and stunt the resale of stolen goods.
How does DataDot work?
- Hundreds or even thousands of microdots are brushed onto various locations on your valuable items.
- The unique code on each DataDot is then stored on a secure national database known as the National Household Asset Register (www.nhar.co.za), which can be accessed by police if your property is stolen.
- The microdots are almost invisible to the naked eye, but can be detected by a UV light and magnifying device.
- It’s virtually impossible to locate and remove all the microdots, making it extremely difficult for thieves to sell your property without fear of being caught.
- Warning stickers and a warning board act as a further deterrent to thieves, who are becoming familiar with the logo/signage and aware that successful tracing and arrest are highly likely.
The DataDot System has three key benefits:
Theft deterrent system: By microdotting your valuables and becoming part of a powerful neighbourhood system, you reduce the risk of criminals entering your property or vehicle. Valuables can be replaced, but no one can put a price on a threatening life situation.
Form of identification: By registering on the app you will be able to add the details and images of your bicycle and valuables onto a national database and link the bicycle with its unique pin number to you.
Asset management solution: Keeping the details of your assets in a safe and secure environment.
DataDot Household Kits are cost-effective (from as little as R250 each), easy to purchase and fit. Visit www.datadot.co.za or call 0861 100010.
Source: Inside Line
