This invention promises to make life difficult for car thieves. The Mighty-Dots are microdots, approximately one millimetre in diameter, which have been laser imaged with data: the vehicle VIN or a unique ID number, together with a website or telephone number where the ID can be checked, are written on the dots.
When magnified with a microscope, the laser encryptions are revealed. In Malta the dots will be imaged with a unique ID number that can be checked by authorised personnel.
Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg, who was present at the launch, welcomed the introduction of the product, saying that while reducing the risk of car theft it will help police with their work and increase the likeliness of conviction.
The police will be equipped with suitable identification and magnification equipment to help them conduct on-the-spot verification of the Mighty-Dot PIN and they will also have full access to the main international server where the details of all the cars treated with Mighty-Dot are stored.
DataDot Technology (UK) Director Phil Kibler gave a detailed technical presentation of the product. The sophisticated software techniques and in-house-designed machinery, all developed by DataDot, mean that the UK manufacturing plant can mass-produce millions of dots with no risk of cross contamination. Other manufacturing plants are located in Australia, the USA and South Africa.
As opposed to car locks, immobilisers and other preventative equipment, the Micro-Dot makes the vehicle to which it is sprayed worthless, simply because it is easily identifiable whether the car is re-sold whole or even if it is dismantled and sold as parts.
Once the dots are applied, they can last up to 20 years. The adhesive is designed to glow under UV-light that makes it easier for police to trace a car and for dealers to identify stolen parts.
The low air pressure needed to apply the Mighty-Dots, and the fact that the adhesive is water based, makes application both safe and effective. The product is being sold by Marbouk Ltd. For more information phone 2169-3908 or 2167-3063 or email [email protected]