The substance is a roller type chemical that is only visible under ultraviolet light. When a thief touches a window that has been “painted” with the substance, fluorescent residue can later be detected on his/her hands or clothing, and help to provide conclusive evidence. (image : Yonhap)
Seoul, July 10 (Korea Bizwire) – Dobong Police Station in Seoul has cut the number of burglaries in the area by half, through the application of a special fluorescent substance to buildings in the district.
The substance is a roller type chemical that is only visible under ultraviolet light. When a thief touches a window that has been “painted” with the substance, fluorescent residue can later be detected on his/her hands or clothing, and help to provide conclusive evidence.
Dobong Police Station selected an area where trespassing and theft occur frequently, and applied the fluorescent substance to window sills, gas pipes, and door frames. They also put up signs warning that the special substance had been applied.
During the year leading up to March 2014, 381 burglaries were reported, but from April 2014 to March 2015, the number declined to 195, for a 48.8 percent reduction.
Due to these results, Dobong Police Station received an award from the National Police Agency commending it for improving residents’ safety.
Officials at the police station say, “It is a pity that we haven’t actually caught a thief using the fluorescent substance, but we were also surprised that the rate of theft decreased after announcing and promoting our new policy.”
by Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
