Tagging? StopTheft or DataTag?

dransfield said:

I just bought a new Marin, and it came with a leaflet for "platinum
online", which is where you can register you frame number for free, or
for an additional £8ish you get a StopTheft chip to put down the seat
tube.

I'd previously heard of DataTag, which is the same thing for £25ish.

Anyone know the pros and cons of this and other systems, or should I
just postcode my nice new Alu frame?

Some insurance companies offer discounts for DataTag users (but still demand
that you use a heavy D lock). Otherwise StopTheft is just as good, afaik -
I got some incredibly cheaply off eBay.

With either product, the warning sticker is the best thing about it since
the tag is unlikely ever to be scanned. £25 is rather a lot to pay for a
sticker.

~PB

Quoted message said:

Anyone know the pros and cons of this and other systems, or should I
just postcode my nice new Alu frame?

Assuning I had no plans to move and was likely to keep the bike for some
time I'd postcode it.

Dunno the relative advantages and disadvantages of the tags. Do the police
routinely scan for both? Sniper?

Mark Thompson said:

Quoted message said:

Anyone know the pros and cons of this and other systems, or should I
just postcode my nice new Alu frame?

Assuning I had no plans to move and was likely to keep the bike for
some time I'd postcode it.

Dunno the relative advantages and disadvantages of the tags. Do the
police routinely scan for both? Sniper?

I think they both use the Trovan system and all police stations are supposed
to be equiped with sutable scanners. But I know that my local MET police
station doesn't scan recovered bikes straight away, if at all. When I was
helping someone collect their stolen bike a few months ago, the officer
behind the desk knew nothing about bike tagging.

Just found this about a patent dispute between Datatag and Trovan:
http://www.rfidnews.com/datatag.html

~PB

Pete Biggs said:

Mark Thompson said:

Quoted message said:

Anyone know the pros and cons of this and other systems, or should I
just postcode my nice new Alu frame?

Quoted message said:

Assuning I had no plans to move and was likely to keep the bike for
some time I'd postcode it.

Quoted message said:

Dunno the relative advantages and disadvantages of the tags. Do the
police routinely scan for both? Sniper?

I think they both use the Trovan system and all police stations are supposed
to be equiped with sutable scanners. But I know that my local MET police
station doesn't scan recovered bikes straight away, if at all. When I was
helping someone collect their stolen bike a few months ago, the officer
behind the desk knew nothing about bike tagging.

Just found this about a patent dispute between Datatag and Trovan:http://www.rfidnews.com/datatag.html

~PB

It sounds to me that postcoding is the most effective.
Do I need to be careful doing this on an Alu frame?
And where's the best place to get this done, or eg. do bike clubs hire
out a set of punches?
If I move house I'll simply get it done again.

Dz

dransfield said:

It sounds to me that postcoding is the most effective.

Probably is - until a theif overstamps it. You could get a tag as well.

Quoted message said:

Do I need to be careful doing this on an Alu frame?

I wouldn't be happy about stamping any good quality or lightweight tubing.
Certainly wouldn't let local plod do it.

~PB