Theft of building equipment is so rife in the Australian building industry that industry representatives estimate it costs most builders between one and two percent of the total value of every project. These costs are often passed onto the homeowner.

But West Australian company DataDot Home and Business is having a big impact on these heavy building losses with their high-tech, straightforward security solution.

Tiny datadots laser-etched with a company’s business name or ABN number are simply sprayed onto equipment from an aerosol container, instantly marking tools and materials. DataDots the size of a grain of sand are suspended in a liquid adhesive, with one spray can marking up to 100 items.

Although the dots are difficult to see with the naked eye, police can read the dots with a UV light and microscope, helping to identify and return stolen property.

With profit margins tightening, builders are starting to adopt the widespread use of DataDots to prevent theft. Summit Homes Group is one of the states large building companies leading the charge.

“Last year we decided to mark all the building equipment we had on site on every project with DataDots - everything from nail guns, timber, white goods to kitchens”, said Bob Motteram from Summit Homes Group.

“We then put warning stickers on the items and police warning signs around the perimeter fences to tell would-be thieves all equipment is marked for police identification”.

It worked a treat, Bob reports. “Since using DataDots we have had a huge reduction in theft particularly the theft of white goods which has saved us and our clients ????(is it possible to get an amount here) over a 12 month period”.

“The DataDots have also helped us recover stolen items, which is the icing on the cake. For builders it’s a cheap and really effective way to personally identify your items and help you get them back if they are stolen” said Bob Motteram

In 2005, the Western Australian Master Builders Association (MBA) combined forces with DataDot Home and Business to implement an industry-wide crime prevention program. Crime Stoppers Australia is also supporting this major crime prevention initiative.

Less than 5% of builders or suppliers have an effective form of identification on their building materials and equipment making it a prime target for would be thieves.

“Unfortunately many people in the building industry accept theft as being part of the industry. One of the first steps in tackling building site theft is to encourage more victims to report the crime to police and the second is for builders to mark their property ” said Neil McCormack from DataDot Home & Business.