Microdots are extremely useful for tracking ownership of vehicles, bicycles and household items, and, even though people have already found countless items to ‘tag’ with this innovative system, it is no surprise that microdots are being used to prevent even more criminal activities.
The farming community in Boschkop were fed up with having their metal items such as copper and fencing stolen. They decided to use the technology of microdots to protect and prevent the theft of their properties.
A microdot is so small that it is almost invisible to the naked eye. The farmers have been placing these 1x1 mm microdots onto their assets. These microdots contain a unique identity number and store other data such as proof of ownership. The farmers believe that with the help of microdots they will be able to identify people stealing and selling their metal items.
This could be a step forward for the protection of such metal items as South Africa has been taking strain from theft in the country. According to Vumani Mkhize, cable theft is costing South Africa an estimated R5 billion every year and this is causing strain on businesses who are experiencing the financial effects and the community who are being affected by electricity disruptions.
