Reality check
Without Datatag, theft happens and you need to prevent it from happening to you. Kayaks are valuable assets that are vulnerable to theft. Secure storage isn’t always an option and many of us carry our kayaks around on the roof of a vehicle, sometimes leaving them unattended. It’s difficult to find a physical security system that is truly effective. Using a cable lock or lash lock is ineffective if you have flush roof rails, often fitted to newer cars. Experienced and determined thieves can remove even locking roof bars quickly and silently.
The solution
A solution is clearly needed so a little while ago I started looking into a system that has proved successful in protecting high-value, vulnerable assets such as outboards and electronics. I believed the system could be used to prevent kayak theft too. Enter Datatag, an innovative British company…
Datatag for Paddlesport makes your kayak very unattractive to thieves through it’s powerful active and passive security measures. Even if it is stolen it will be difficult for thieves to sell it on. Recovery probability is increased. The kayak identification can be matched and you get your kayak back. This proactive technology-led security system is only available from British Sea Kayaks.
Datatag forms a part of the enhanced service package available when you buy a new sea kayak. I can also fit the system into any kayak you already own. This is normally carried out at the Plymouth base. Clubs, outdoor centres and other groups are catered for and I will happily come to your venue. Special rates for fitting to 5 or more kayaks are available so get together with your mates and get Datatag at a great rate! Please get in contact for a quote.
So what is it?
Like all of the best inventions and ideas, the concept of Datatag is simple but utilizes state of the art identification technologies to permanently mark and protect your property. Datatag makes your vehicles and property identifiable to the Police in such a way that is virtually impossible for a thief to defeat therefore, the risk involved in stealing this marked property becomes high to the criminals who tend to avoid stealing the property in the first place.
Sounds good so far…
Criminals prefer to steal property where they can easily remove or change the original manufacturer’s identification numbers or marks. Tampering with these important identification numbers makes the stolen property less likely to be identified and hinders the police in tracing the real owner.
What makes Datatag so special then?
Datatag changes this, our systems can include literally thousands of unique identification marks or tags which can be permanently hidden within your property. A thief now has the impossible task of removing every single identification mark without damaging the stolen property to avoid the risk of detection whereas a Police Officer now only needs to locate and identify one or two of the marks to assist with a prosecution. Datatag has made a major impact on reducing theft and the Crown Prosecution Service has a 100% successful prosecution rate when evidence has been supplied by Datatag. Our award winning systems are used to deter theft but increasingly they are being used as a valuable asset tracking system.
How does it work?
The technology we use
The chip
A tiny glass transponder or “chip” (similar to those used in cats, dogs and horses) is programmed with your code and is then bonded into the kayak. It’s impossible to remove without causing damage that would make the kayak very difficult to sell.
Ultra-Violet
High Quality Ultra Destruct label – marked with your unique code and attached wherever you want it. Any attempt to remove it leaves visible evidence of tampering. The residual UV code is permanently etched to the surface it was attached to. It also incorporates a QR code for easy recognition.
UV 
etching fluid and 3 UV etching labels. This is high-tech invisible ink, allowing you to mark your kayak anywhere you like without visibly affecting your gelcoat or paint.
Microdots
Datatag Datadots ® – a vial of 1000+ microdots. This is an advanced microdot identification system, consisting of tiny identification discs held in a UV adhesive. They can be “painted” onto any surface you choose, making it virtually impossible for the criminals to locate and remove them all.
Tamper-evidence
TE Label – these specially designed tamper evident labels contain a unique identification number and QR code. They warn off any potential thieves and are both attractive and impossible to remove without damage.
Hands off!
A resin warning label that is an attractive design and slightly domed. This label is impossible to remove without damage and deters a potential thief.
With all this technology on board you can be confident that your kayak will remain in your possession. No thief in their right mind will touch your kayak, ever. It’s obvious…
Frequently asked questions about Datatag
What happens if I sell my kayak?
Datatag membership is transferable to a new owner who can have their name and address added to the secure Datatag database.
I’d like to protect a boat that I already own – can you help me too?
Yes, certainly. I can arrange to fit the Datatag for Paddlesport system to any existing composite kayak. I can carry this out at a location to suit you, or you can bring your boat here. The cost is £85 per boat, fully fitted and registered.
We are a club/organisation/group and would like to protect our whole fleet against theft – is this possible?
Of course. Please get in contact to discuss your needs. I offer special rates when fitting to more than 5 boats.
Is the transponder salt-waterproof?
Yes, it’s encapsulated in glass (about the size of a grain of rice) and is totally submersible.
How long will the transponder last?
There’s no battery to worry about and we expect the transponder life to be at least the life of your kayak (decades).
Who has scanners to read the transponders?
The police have been supplied thousands of scanners throughout the UK free of charge. Datatag work closely with various law enforcement agencies and supply scanners on demand.
How safe is my personal data?
Datatag takes great care of the data you entrust to it, and the secure database is for police and official use only.
Can I add additional transponders or other Datatag technology to my kayak?
Yes you can – contact me to discuss the options with you.
What happens if my boat is stolen?
First, tell the police immediately. They will issue you a crime report number. Then contact Datatag, quoting your membership number and the crime report number the police have given you. Datatag will then flag a warning against your kayak on their database.
What if my boat is lost at sea?
Contact the Coastguard. Advise them that the boat is Datatag marked. When your kayak is recovered it will enable them to match it with you. You can also record your identification code on your CG66 registration if you have one.
Do the UK police forces all recognise Datatag?
Yes – the following statement verifies the validity of Datatag in the fight against crime. “Datatag is a Police preferred specification company supported by the Home Office and ACPO Cpi Ltd (Association of Chief Police Officers). Secured by Design is the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of designing out crime and focuses on crime prevention… and promotes the use of security standards for a wide range of applications and products.”