As an industry, we seem to be prone to forgetting that simple, good quality, cost-effective security measures can be extremely successful in their application. Just because the investment is small doesn’t mean that the investor will not reap the rewards, writes Chris Taylor.

This is certainly true of investments in property marking – a security measure which assists in deterring crime, recovering property and ensuring the conviction of criminals. However, new research conducted by the BSIA has shown that the majority of UK adults are missing out on using this simple security solution. The research reveals that only 10% of adults use effective property marking.

It must be said that this is somewhat disappointing. Property marking is inexpensive and proven to reduce crime. Marking systems that are permanent, linked to secure databases and meet stringent standards provide a comprehensive security solution. First and foremost, they are a powerful deterrent because burglars know that marked property is harder to sell on, and could lead to them being caught and convicted. Should the criminal insist on stealing marked goods, the mark provides an avenue through which to recover the items, and yields evidence for a conviction.

The BSIA research reveals the popularity of ultraviolet pens as property marking tools. This is a particularly low quality technique, however, as ultraviolet pen markings will fade with time and can also be removed by chemicals. The technique should only ever be used as part of a more comprehensive security marking system.

There are a wide variety of approved forms of security marking now available which are far more effective. These include stencil etching, forensic coding, microscopic dots, electronic transponders and security labels. It is just such systems that we, as an industry, should be encouraging people to move towards as we strive for the Holy Grail... A total security solution.

Source

SMT

Postscript

Chris Taylor is chairman of the BSIA’s Cash and Property Marking Section