Someone broke into Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's car Wednesday night, and he said he's now using what happened to him to tell others to be proactive with some new technology: A tiny dot that can track your stolen items.
They're called "Cop Dots," and they're available at Lowe's hardware stores, but the Orlando Police Department is the latest local agency to get the readers for free from the Melbourne company that created the tiny trackers, described as "DNA" for your valuables.
Some 120 Central Florida law enforcement agencies are set to participate in the program, starting with the Palm Bay Police Department in April.
But it's up to you to buy the "Cop Dots." An applicator pen costs about $30, and will identify around 50 items.
After applying the Cop Dots, users can register your valuables -- such as electronics, jewelry, bicycle or other items around your home -- to an online database. If local police uncover a stolen item, they can track the dots using detection kits with special forensic lighting to find the dots, and find the true owner.
"Unfortunately, without fingerprints or witnesses, it's very difficult if the serial numbers aren't put down," said Orlando Police Lt. Stanley Klem. "And I'll be honest with you: 23 years in law enforcement, and the only up-to-date serial numbers I have are my firearms."
Mayor Dyer said he's excited about the new program, as is the police department.