Microdot Technology: HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE OTHER SOLUTIONS TO SECURE THE IDENTITY OF VEHICLES

The identification of motor vehicles is necessary if criminals are to be arrested and prosecuted for vehicle crime. The implementation of technology and processes used in the identification of vehicles remains a challenge for the law enforcement agencies- the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Transport officials.

Investigations have proved that in almost all serious vehicle-related crimes and in many road traffic offences, primary and secondary identifiers (Licence number, VIN and Engine number) have been altered or removed in order to conceal the crime or identity of the miscreant.

Most manufacturers have made a big effort to make their cars difficult to steal. The important next step is to make it more difficult for criminals to sell the stolen or hijacked cars.

The improvement of the identification of motor vehicles has been a priority of the public-private partnership. Business Against Crime South Africa have assessed many available options and solutions to the vehicle identity problem, spreading the net both locally and internationally, and have evaluated these relative to the needs of the local environment. Initially, the most significant and promising alternatives were the marking of the vehicle in multiple places (multiple parts marking or ‘whole of vehicle marking’) by means of laser etching or by using barcode labels.  However, most of these alternatives were seen as expensive, impractical, inaccessible and ineffective. In addition, there were concerns that the fitment could damage the motor vehicles.

During the assessments done by Business Against Crime South Africa, Microdot Technology has emerged as being head and shoulders above the rest in securing (preserving) the identity of the vehicle.