The South Lake Tahoe Police Department puts a high priority on crime prevention and creating a safe environment for the residents of our community. According to the Department of Justice, property crime is the number one crime statistic in the nation and in every community across the country. DNA for property is a new technology that will assist in our efforts to combat property theft.
The technology is called Anti-Theft Dots – all 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).
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department 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 Law Enforcement National Recovery Database, allowing law enforcement agencies to retrieve ownership in real time.
The DNA for Property program will be officially kicked off at the opening of the BMX Park on Sept. 19th. We will be handing out Bike DNA to attendees who wish to register their bike and will be available to answer questions and talk about the technology. Bike DNA will register bicycles in the Law Enforcement National Recovery Database, 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; the app will give 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. 19th, we will continue our efforts to introduce the technology as part of a proactive campaign to reduce property theft in our city, working with businesses, public works, utilities, and the school district. This program will send a clear and strong message to criminals that have targeted the residents and businesses in South Lake Tahoe that the South Lake Tahoe Police Department will utilize new technology, and partner with our residents and businesses to combat property theft.