Burglary
Loss Prevention Standard LPS 1225: Issue 3 1999 Specification for testing and classifying asset marking systems
Extracts taken from:
Loss Prevention Standard: Specification for testing and classifying asset marking systems
LPS 1225: Issue 3 December 1999
© LOSS PREVENTION CERTIFICATION BOARD LIMITED
This standard identifies evaluation and testing practices for the certification and listing of asset marking systems by The Loss Prevention Certification Board.
Certification is based on the following criteria:
Satisfactory performance of the marking system, in accordance with the requirements of The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) and the manufacturer's specifications.
Verification by the LPCB of the establishment and maintenance of the manufacturer's quality management systems in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:1994 quality systems or BS EN ISO 9002:1994 quality systems, as appropriate.
Satisfactory product service experience.
The asset marking system being linked to a secure database register certificated to LPS 1224.
1. SCOPE
This standard specifies requirements for the composition and performance of an asset marking system such that, when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, the asset marking device may:
Enable the marked asset to be traced to the legal owner via a secure database register linked to the marking system employed.
Act as a theft deterrent in the first instance by virtue of known existence.
The standard does not specify any one particular design of marking system.
It is assumed that the part of the asset to which the asset marking device is applied is at least equal in resistance to removal from the asset as the asset marking device employed.
The two-part classification designation indicates the resistance of the product to eradication of ownership traceability and resistance to complete removal of marking without leaving evidence of previous existence. This gives the end-user the option of selecting a product to suit the required application. Complete removal of the marking and restoration of the asset gives maximum resale value to the stolen asset, however, the standard does not take into account replication or replacement of components as part of asset restoration.
Long term durability of the system and associated components are beyond the scope of this standard, as are the performance requirements of any covert marking technology incorporated in the system.
Although this standard specifies that the product instructions shall include hazard data, confirmation of the authenticity of such data is not addressed.
Requirements relating to the database register which the marking system shall be linked are described in LPS 1224.
3. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
3.1 General
The marking system shall incorporate at least one form of overt marking device.
When installed in accordance with the manufacturer's product instructions, the overt marking device shall be secure, visible and identify the owner of a marked asset via a nominated database. The marking device shall be linked to a secure database register which shall be either:
A database that meets the requirements of LPS 1224.
The DVLA register.
The asset identification code shall uniquely identify the marked asset and be capable of being transferred should the owner relocate, sell or cancel ownership of the asset.
Where possible, asset marking devices shall incorporate security elements to minimise the possibility of their replication and/or substitution.
Product instructions shall be supplied with the asset marking system together with documentation relating to registration of an asset and change of details/ownership.
3.2 Overt asset marking devices
At least one overt asset marking device shall be placed in a clearly visible location so as to act as a deterrent to a potential thief.
3.3 Covert asset marking devices
If a covert asset marking device is employed within the asset marking system then the device shall be:
Securely fastened to the asset.
Identify the legal owner of the asset via a nominated database using specific detection equipment.
The covert device in use shall be identifiable via the database to which the overt device is linked.
Note: The full requirements for the design and performance of covert asset marking devices are the subject of a future Loss Prevention Standard, and as such, assessment of their performance is beyond the scope of LPS 1225.
3.4 Information to be displayed on an overt asset marking device
Information contained on an overt asset marking device shall be clearly readable with the unaided eye, assuming normal vision and average lighting conditions. All characters shall be at least 2 mm high.
The asset identification code shall be at least equal in resistance to removal as the marking device / asset on which it is printed.
Information to be present on each overt asset marking device:
The asset identification code.
The LPCB certificate number and telephone number of the database that the marking device is registered on. Where this is not practical, a separate warning label or labels shall be supplied with the marking system and shall include this information.
Advice regarding application of any warning label shall be included in the instructions supplied with the asset marking system.
A code to identify any covert marking device incorporated in the asset marking system.
The LPCB certificate number of the overt marking device. Where this is not practical, this information shall be displayed on any warning label as described in 2.
3.5 Information to be included on product instructions
The following information shall be included in the instructions that are supplied with the asset marking device:
Limitations and recommendations for compatible substrates.
Instructions for affixing the marking device to such substrates.
Applicable resistance rating, and the scope of that rating.
Time taken for the mark to reach the fully cured state following application onto the asset and how the treated area/asset shall be protected so as to assure the performance of the marking device.
Locations to which the asset marking device and any warning labels should be applied in order to act as a potential deterrent.
Procedure to be followed by the owner of a marked asset when registering, transferring or cancelling ownership of the asset.
The LPCB certification number of the asset marking device and of the secure database register(s) to which the asset marking device is linked.
Recommendations for recording and safe storage of the record of the asset marking device's unique code.
Procedure to follow in the case of theft or loss of the marked asset.
Appropriate hazard data that meets COSHH requirements.
8. TEST OBJECTIVE AND REQUIREMENTS
8.1 General
The overall objective is to confirm the resistance rating classification of the overt asset marking device for the scope of application stipulated in the product instructions that are supplied with the asset marking device. This is achieved by conducting a series of manual intervention attack tests in order to determine both the resistance to erasure of any marking that provides traceability, with or without damage to the asset, and resistance to complete removal of the marking without evidence of previous existence.
The requirements for both phases and each resistance rating classification are given in Table 1 of the full standard.
8.2 Manual intervention attack testing
Using equipment from the list appropriate to the resistance rating classification expected, (see Table 1 of the full standard), attempts are made to:
Deface the overt marking device, such that the asset is no longer traceable to the legal owner, i.e. the asset identification code and any code identifying covert devices are no longer legible.
Remove the marking device and, where applicable, refurbish the asset such that there is no evidence of the asset having been marked.
Classification is determined in the fully cured state.
Last update: 08/09/03