SNATCH thieves may soon find a cloud of coloured smoke in their faces the next time they grab a woman’s handbag.

Malaysian sportswear brand Ash Be Nimble has designed a device that will hopefully help mark escaping thieves as it releases smoke once a handbag has been stolen.

Working with advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather Kuala Lumpur, they have come up with a small battery-powered device named the Handbag Dyetonator.

The first of its kind in the world, the device carries a small mobile-controlled gadget, GPS module that enables tracking, and tiny packs of coloured dye and smoke flare inside.

It is hooked to a handbag like a keychain or decorative accessory, and when the bag is snatched, the victim sends a six-digit detonation code via SMS (short messaging device) from any handphone to trigger the device.

Upon activation, smoke will be discharged from the device within seconds, marking the snatch thief, alerting the public of the crime, and lowering the culprit’s chance of escape.

Protecting women

Ash Be Nimble founder Hui Mathews said the idea came from the rampant snatch theft cases in the country that targetted women.

She was herself an active hiker at Bukit Gasing, where a mother was recently stabbed by a snatch thief in front of her daughter.

Being in the business that encouraged people to live healthy and stay fit, she said she wanted to help women feel safe when they were outdoors.

“We conceptualised this device, which we call the Handbag Dyetonator that can help women feel safer on the streets.

“We are working together to ensure the device is effective, efficient, easy to use, and has a contemporary and fashionable design that appeals to modern and urban woman,” she said.

A deterrent and call for heavier punishments

The device, Mathews said, was meant to deter snatch thieves, making them think twice before robbing someone.

“It will deter snatch thieves because the coloured dye and smoke flare will mark the culprits to make them easier to catch.

“The device will discourage them from repeating the crime and prevent others from trying,” she said.

The anti-snatch theft campaign, which is in collaboration with the National Crime Prevention Network Association, also called authorities to impose heavier penalties on snatch thieves.

She said although snatch theft cases were on the rise, with some victims sustaining injuries or even losing their lives, there was no specific law to punish the culprits if they were ever caught.

“We hope to start the conversation about women’s safety in Malaysia and create awareness about how women are being targetted in petty crimes, causing them to feel unsafe on the streets.

“Ultimately, we want to rally Malaysians to petition for stricter laws for snatch thieves, so they don’t repeat the crime,” she said.

Not about blowing up the thief

Mathews said the device would not explode, and was no more dangerous than an average aerosol spray.

The dyetonator uses pressure force to activate the coloured dye and smoke flare. While it was far from being a mini explosive, it should not be carried onto a plane like aerosol sprays.

Mathews also noted concerns of the dye and smoke ruining the handbag and its contents.

“The problem is snatch thieves strike fast and disappear on motorcycles, making them almost impossible to catch.

“So, the intention of releasing the coloured dye and smoke flare is to mark the thief. The dyetonator is not about revenge. It is meant to deter,” she said.

Mathews also said the dye was also made of coloured powder that could be washed out of most materials easily.

“To the average Malaysian, their most important belongings in their bags are their identity cards, credit cards and cash in their wallets.

“While the dye can be washed off, the priority is to make sure the women can recover their important belongings in the bag.”

Testing stage

The dyetonator has already generated interest but it is not ready for the market yet.

Mathews said the device was still in beta phase and is being tested for improvements.

“But you may sign up for a trial or register your interest to be on the waiting list.

“As we are still improving the device, the Handbag Dyetonator may evolve to include a host of upgraded features,” she said.

The gadgets come in a selection of colours - mocha brown, rose gold, champagne gold, sterling silver and jet black.

“We do have plans to introduce a variety of other designs, including bright pink, orange or yellow in the later stages of our rollout plan,” Mathews said.

As for how much the little device would cost and how many would be produced, she said it would depend on the demand. – May 14, 2017.