Delhi to use MicroDot to track stolen vehicles on the dot

| | New Delhi

With an aim to curb vehicle thefts, the Delhi Government is all set to introduce “microDot” technology as on Monday Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal instructed authorities to explore the provision of installing smart devices in vehicles.

Interestingly, with the technology advancement, the smart chip will be installed in vehicles having unique ID linked with registration of number. Incidentally, till August 15, 27,780 cases of motor vehicle thefts were reported under the Home Department of the Delhi Government.

According to Delhi Government official, microDots are nano size particles in unique shapes having a covert marking and unique numbers. The L-G in a meeting last month has asked authorities to explore provision of safety devices to be installed in vehicles under mandatory conditions.

The use of marking vehicles with microdots is called Whole of Vehicle Marking (WoVM) and the technology is being used world over - South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, Taiwan, Canada, the US and European Union (EU) — to prevent and reduce motor vehicle thefts, the official added.

“Under the WoVM, thousands of metal microDots having unique IDs are marked on vehicles.

The unique ID of microdots are linked with the registration number of the vehicles,” the official said. Since each part of the vehicle is linked to the registration number of the vehicle, even if the vehicle is dismantled, it can be traced back to its owner, he added. The WoVM involves spraying thousands of the small dots laser engraved with VIN- Vehicle Identification number. 

Interestingly, as the dots are less than 1mm in diameter, it is impossible to locate and remove them, said software engineers. Also, these dots carry adhesive that fluoresces under UV light.

Interestingly, several vehicle manufacturers use microdots to enhance the security of their vehicles.

They can also be added later, though the aftermarket system uses a Personal Identity Number rather than the vehicle’s VIN. MicroDots can be used to secure equipment, tools, and household items. They have also been successfully used to secure plants in public gardens against thefts.