Property Marking for Crime Prevention & Detection

In simple terms, if you want your stolen property returned to, mark it.

There are a variety of methods in which you may mark property for crime prevention and detection. Visible property marking may offer a crime prevention element and act as a deterrent where the criminal sees the mark and chooses not to steal the property. [ Back ]

Labels.
A range of labels in the form of stickers and plates, affixed by glue or chemically bond to the item contains the important information to identify the owner or the database where the owners' details are recorded.

Such labelling may be tamper-proof labels that cannot be removed without extreme damage or visible evidence of identification removal. High technology allows for anti-counterfeiting properties incorporated within the label such as holograms.

Bar Codes.
We see barcodes on almost every product we buy but linear bar code that complies with international recognised standards can divulge security information when read by a bar-code scanner. Ensure the code is secure and a specialist scanner is used to read the bar code

Covert Property Marking Techniques

Covert property marking is generally invisible thus a would-be thief would not see the actual mark but deterrent notices would be useful as a crime prevention.

Radio frequency identification tags (RF/id)
These tracking devices are used not just in property recovery but also the tracking of animals.

Implanting the a small device that contains an aerial and a microchip containing identification information allows a scanning device that uses radio waves to read the information contained within the tag. These tags may be embedded in natural and synthetic materials such plastics and wood or surface mounted on metals.

Radio frequency read/write tags
These R/F devices are very similar to the above except that certain information may be included in the tag memory, new information added or information deleted over a period of time using a read/write scanner.

PIN code
Like the PIN we use at cash machines, the inclusion of a PIN (Personal Identification Number) within the electrical circuit of an item or a security device attached to it, inhibits the function of the item until the PIN is correctly entered via a keypad and identifies the owner.
Registration databases

There are a number of commercial operations that register property against serial or code numbers, some register stolen property such as art and antiques. Other registers may specialise in specific items such as; caravans, computers, plant equipment. There are also business specific registration databases and specialise in all assets for companies or local authorities. Insurance and credit card companies offer registration and replacement services for valuables such as keys and credit cards.
Photographic databases

Mentioned before were registration databases for art and antiques; with digital technology, facilities are available to store photographs of works of art, antiques or other valuables as hard copy or computer held photographic records. These databases are ideal for items that are not suitable for marking due to the value and potential damage.
Property marking for crime prevention and detection is an important activity. Costs can be as low as £10 to mark 1000 items with your DNA.

The real value of your property should reflect the budget for asset and property marking. Before you pass personal and financial details to a commercial registration database, check them out.

How is DNA Used?.

How is DNA used? [ Back ]

DNA doesn't need to be surgically removed, simply by using a buccal swab (buccal meaning inner-cheek) and gently rubbing the inside of the cheek, DNA from the mouth cells are collected and can be forensically analysed

Like fingerprints, not every single difference between people's DNA is required. Techniques are deployed to look at specific areas of DNA that are conclusively known to vary widely between people. This technique is called 'DNA Profiling' it analyses and measures the recorded differences to link the DNA with the suspect and crime scene or weapon.

The National DNA Database is used by every police force in the UK to compare DNA taken from scenes of crime. At present there are over two million samples of DNA taken from individuals that are stored on the DNA Database.

It might be that DNA is only present in tiny amounts. These can be greatly amplified using a technique called Polymerisation Chain Reaction (PCR). This can produce a positive result from just one nanogram (one thousand millionth of a gram) of DNA.

Profiling is conducted in the forensic science laboratory and takes between 16 and 48 hours depending on the DNA sample.

Synthetic DNA is a manufactured product often used in conjunction with DNA Print Kits.

One such kits comprises a special ink pad that holds a synthetic DNA registered to the owner.

By pressing a thumb in the ink pad and then pressing the thumb on an item to be DNA marked, you transfer your DNA, your registered synthetic DNA and your thumbprint all in one go.

There is an element of UV in the ink pad so that when police recover your property and detect the UV mark with a black light, your unique mark is discovered.

To aid recovery, you can simply add your telephone number near the thumbprint using the UV Marker pen that is included in the kit.

Forensic Science Service helps to crack the case of Jack the Ripper – 120 years on

The case of serial killer Jack the Ripper, who is believed to have murdered at least five prostitutes in the 1880s, has fascinated people for more than 100 years.

The identity of the killer has been hotly debated as no-one was ever been brought to trial, but now the Forensic Science Service has provided new evidence for the case thanks to its specialist skills. [ More ]