|
Friday 15 April, 2005Only 10% of adults security mark their property effectivelyResearch undertaken on behalf of the British Security Industry Association has revealed that only 10% of adults use effective security marking.
'This means a lot of people are missing out on the benefits of this cost-effective security solution, which has become an even more powerful deterrent in recent years as new technologies have been introduced,' says Chris Taylor, chairman of the BSIA Property Marking Section".
'Security marking is simple, inexpensive and proven to reduce crime. You can get advice on security marking from your local Police crime prevention officer or the BSIA website www.bsia.co.uk/propertymarking.
'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.
'However, should the criminal persist in stealing marked goods the mark provides the ability to recover the items and also gives the police evidence to secure a conviction. If the police can't prove that goods are stolen they have to return them to the criminals and can't prosecute. So, in effect, the criminal gets away with the crime twice!'
Approved forms of security marking include: stencil etching, forensic coding, microscopic dots, electronic transponders and security labels. The BSIA advises you to check that the company providing these products meets relevant standards, including operating a secure database.
A common but low quality form of property marking is the use of ultra violet (UV) pens. UV pen fades over time and can be removed using chemicals. It is therefore advised that UV is only used as part of a wider security marking system.
The BSIA is currently in discussions with the Association of Chief Police Officers' 'Secured by Design' initiative with a view to producing a new guide to property marking, which will aim to raise awareness about its benefits.
Ends.
·The research was conducted by NEMS market research and telephone-surveyed 1005 adults in their homes:
- 10% use an approved method of property marking
- 22% use UV pens
- 61% don't use any form of property marking
- 7% responded 'don't know'.
·Separate evaluations of the effectiveness of property marking have revealed:
- In Eccleshill, West Yorkshire, there was a 60% reduction in reported burglaries after property marking was used in homes.
- There was an 88% reduction in burglary in homes in Lozells, Birmingham, a year after property marking was introduced.
- A 22% reduction in bicycle theft was achieved in Thanet, Kent, after 1000 bikes were marked and registered.
·BSIA property marking companies operate secure databases, comply with relevant standards and their own code of practice, and meet other rigorous membership criteria.
Back to Sector
|
|
