“As we adapt to a new way of living following COVID-19, we need to be aware of the importance of not overlooking security as more people return to work,” says James Brown, MD of Selectamark Security Systems, a Secured by Design member company.
“Whilst, quite rightly, taking precautions around staying healthy, people shouldn’t forget how important robust security measures are to protect themselves, their homes, their assets and their businesses from theft and burglary.”
Selectamark has continued to work safely throughout this crisis, and its SelectaDNA forensic marking product range has provided vital solutions to front line services such as the NHS, police and government, to protect the public, employees and critical equipment and infrastructure from all types of crime.
“We are well aware that businesses such as pubs, restaurants, shops and other commercial premises were unfortunately the target of crime during lockdown,” says James. “However, as they start to trade again, we have a range of products that can help businesses, homeworkers and those returning to work to protect their assets.”
The SelectaDNA range uses synthetically-manufactured DNA particles to create a unique identifier that can be carried in substances such as adhesives, gels or liquids and brushed on to items like IT equipment, machinery, iPads and tools. The solution contains a unique forensic signature that is permanent, clear and barely visible once it’s dried – only fluorescing under ultraviolet light.
Keeping Burglars Out Of Your Business
For businesses, SelectaDNA has developed an Intruder Spray System that helps protect buildings from burglaries and robberies. A canister system is placed above doors and windows that, when triggered by a break-in, sprays the offender as they enter. It contains an ultraviolet tracer and a unique DNA solution that police can swab to take evidence in any prosecution.
“It makes criminals really assess the risk they’re willing to take and what lengths they will go to in order to ensure they aren't traceable,” says James. “DNA solutions provide a link back to a location or a crime – and that’s a criminal’s worst nightmare.”
The SelectaDNA Spray is now used in over 20 countries and is used by banks, jewellers, petrol stations, restaurants and retail outlets to protect their stock, assets and employees.
Building Up Protection
Theft of plant equipment and tools from construction sites has also been an issue during this crisis, as some sites were forced to close temporarily. When they reopened, site managers found scaffolding, tools and even diggers had been stolen by organised gangs.
James says: “This sort of theft can lead to significant costs to replace and delays in project completion times. By forensically marking your property with SelectaDNA and displaying our warning signage, you are providing a physical and visible theft deterrent.”
Securing Your Assets
Tools and any household assets including jewellery, antiques, smartphones and electronic equipment can also be registered on Selectamark’s Secure Asset Register (www.secureassetregister.com) known as SAR, which is now the only Secured by Design approved property register that is free for both the public and the police to use.
“While the register remains free for police (no licence or set-up fees), we recently extended free access to SAR to the public, meaning more people can benefit from registering their property. Items registered on the database have an increased likelihood of being returned if lost or stolen and recovered by the police,” advises James.
SAR was developed by Selectamark to meet the growing need for police and insurance approved online property registers. SAR is tested and certified to the Loss Prevention Certification Board’s LPS1224 Issue 3, and it is the only property database to hold this sought-after standard. Selectamark is also certified to ISO27001:2013 for its information security management system.
“This combination of database and information security accreditations sets SAR apart from any other property registers,” says James.
Police can search SAR to check the ownership of recovered stolen goods at no cost, quickly and easily via www.secureassetregister.com or via a secure police App.
Initially, the free registration is set at 10 assets per user. Users can then upgrade to a SelectaDNA Home Kit if they have more than 10 items of property they wish to register and if they want to mark their property and benefit from the deterrent value of the warning stickers supplied with the kit.
In the current climate, home security is more important than ever, with many people now kitted out with expensive home office equipment and technology so that they can work remotely.
Safe As Houses
To this end, SelectaDNA Home Kits for property marking remain a trusted crime prevention solution resulting in an up to 83% reduction in household burglaries. Designed for home and small office use, the kit marks up to 50 items of property including TVs, smartphones, desktop PCs, laptops, and digital cameras.
Police crime preventon initiatives using SelectaDNA Home Kits in hotspot neighbourhoods are in operation across the UK and use deterrent warning signs displayed in residential streets that have previously been targeted by burglars.
Safer Cycling
Another crime trend that has sadly risen since lockdown restrictions have lifted is bike theft. Given the government’s push to have more people start cycling as part of their commute, bike registration and bike marking has become even more important to protect cycles from theft and aid owner recovery in the event they do get stolen.
Selectamark owns and maintains BikeRegister, the national cycle database, which is the only police-approved, bicycle marking and registration scheme. Registering on BikeRegister (www.bikeregister.com) is free and means you could be reunited with your bike in the event of it being stolen, but it does not help make it a hard target to thieves. To reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of cycle theft, you need a bike marking kit, of which there are three available to choose from.
James Brown concludes: “Crime really does have a big and long-lasting effect on victims, whether it’s a residential burglary, bike theft, street robbery or a petrol station targeted by armed robbers. These crimes are all a big deal, so we are determined to play our part in helping police drive down criminal activity.
“Also as we come out of lockdown. we will continue to offer businesses, homeworkers and those returning to the office tried and tested solutions that can guarantee them peace of mind and an added sense of security as they adapt to their new work environment.”
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