A US-based provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft products, reports that its DNA marking product is now being offered by Swedish BMW dealers to prior purchasers of their luxury cars.
Countrywide advertisements for the new service offer began appearing late last year. Dealers offer clients a service to mark and protect older vehicles, and also fit an alarm during the routine maintenance. Vehicle owners are then handed the marking vial from Applied DNA Sciences, Inc to use to protect other assets in their homes.
Applied DNA announced last year that Swedish importers of BMW automobiles were using smartDNA (the Scandinavian brand of the company’s SigNature DNA) to provide vehicle owners with a vehicle theft deterrent. Applied DNA’s Swedish distributor, Safe Solution SmartDNA AB, was awarded a two-year contract for protecting a minimum of 2,000 vehicles per month. The firms report a curbing of thefts by over 80pc and aiding prosecution of “chop shop” criminals. Once marked with SigNature DNA, components can be traced back to a specific vehicle, and there have been numerous cases where this has assisted police.
Dr James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences: “Police departments in the US and throughout Europe and the UK, have shown strong interest in DNA-based asset marking. We are gratified by the participation of the brands, legislators and insurers who have endorsed our programmes. The use of our forensic evidence in effective prosecution adds to our reputation as an effective deterrent, and enhances our value proposition. We are working hard to grow this business vertical in additional geographies.”
