Security
Waging war on cable theft : it’s in the DNA
Efforts towards combating cable theft across the rail network have been plentiful, but the same issues have persisted that no single product can address. Until now
H
ow is stolen metal identified once it has entered the scrap chain? How can a rogue metal dealer be prevented
from accepting unlawfully procured metal? How can a thief be conclusively linked to a crime scene – and what is the solution to protecting a cable which spans a large physical area? While all of the above are critical to a significant reduction in cable theft, we have seen no singular product that collectively responds to them. Until now.
Cable supplier Eland Cables recognised the need for a better solution, and following in-depth research, formed an exclusive partnership with theft-deterrent specialists DataDot Technology. Eland and DataDot have utilised their cross-sector expertise to create TrakDNA as a highly-advanced technology that succeeds where past theft-prevention methods have failed.
TrakDNA – what is it? TrakDNA technology is applied to the metal within a cable to create a forensic link between a cable and its legal owner. It acts as a powerful deterrent against theft by drastically increasing the likelihood of criminal prosecution: its traceable technology provides undisputable evidence which places a cable thief at a crime scene. Already creating waves within the
industry, Network Rail has granted approval for TrakDNA to protect cables across its network.
Although not limited to the rail
sector (TrakDNA can be applied to all cables - construction parameters permitting), it is particularly useful for rail applications due the nature of rail infrastructures and their inherent vulnerability.
The technology provides a permanent solution by remaining effective for the full life of a cable. Furthermore, it remains intact even if cable sheathing
is stripped, placing it streets ahead of previous artificial marking attempts. TrakDNA operates on two levels: visual and technological. Highly visible warnings to thieves are placed throughout a cable site and printed on cable sheathing.
The technology itself is applied liberally to the metal within a cable; its glitter-like appearance making it distinctive to the naked eye.
TrakDNA technology explained TrakDNA technology consists of nickel microdots that are applied across the metal within a cable at manufacturing stage. Each microdot contains a unique code which is stored on the International Security Register (ISR) and identifies cable type and manufacturer, production batch, cable owner and geographical installation data. To establish the ownership details
of a TrakDNA cable, police can simply use a microscope to read a microdot code, and cross-reference it with the ISR. Security specialists RetainaGroup
May 2013 Page 69
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