High tech anti-theft dots to help South Lake Tahoe Police

With an increase in the number of bicycle thefts and other property crimes in South Lake Tahoe, a new high tech device to help the fight on crime is now being introduced by the police department.

The new technology is called Anti-Theft Dots. This DNA for property crime will assist the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) in their efforts to combat theft in the community. Property crime is the number one crime statistic in the nation according to the Department of Justice.

The applications of this technology include a special substance that can withstand extreme elements including salt water and temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees. Suspended inside this special substance are thousands of microscopic dots which are smaller than a grain of sand. Each dot has a unique PIN, identifying the property owner. The substance can be applied to all types of property, from bikes, electronics, tools, equipment, metals, copper and more. The user will apply the substance to their valuables and register their PIN in the Law Enforcement National Recovery Database (LENRD).

SLTPD has been equipped with scanning tools to determine if the property has been marked with this substance. If it is determined the property is marked, a special digital reader is applied to the substance so law enforcement can read the PIN on the microscopic dots. That PIN is entered into the LTNRD, allowing law enforcement agencies to retrieve ownership in real time.

The DNA for Property Program officially kicks off at the opening of the Bijou BMX Park on Sept. 19. The City will be handing out Bike DNA to attendees who wish to register their bike and staff will be available to answer questions and talk about the technology.

Bike DNA will register bicycles and give SLTPD and law enforcement around the country the ability to identify ownership of bicycles when recovered. Users will also be encouraged to download the free mobile app which gives users the ability to manage their property, report bikes/property stolen, and send out a theft notification to law enforcement and other users within the community in an effort to quickly recover property.

After the official kickoff of the program on Sept. 19, the City of South Lake Tahoe will continue their efforts to introduce the technology as part of a proactive campaign to reduce property theft, working with businesses, public works, utilities, and the school district.

This program is meant to send a clear and strong message to criminals that have targeted the residents and businesses in South Lake Tahoe that SLTPD will utilize new technology, and partner with our residents and businesses to combat property theft.