Tracker scoops security award

TRACKER, the UK leader in Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR), celebrates an award victory as it takes home the highly coveted 2009 Fleet Van World Honours Security Award. Beating stiff competition, TRACKER’s innovative vehicle tracking solutions continue to lead the market, winning praise from all sides of the industry on its role in the fight against crime.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Fleet World Honours recognise innovation and excellence among individuals, car and van-manufacturers and service companies, raising standards across the industry. The judging panel includes Fleet World’s road test team, as well as highly respected figures from across the motor industry.

“TRACKER has to date assisted the police in recovering assets to the value of over £400million, resulting in over 1,800 arrests,” comments Bill Raynal, Managing Director of TRACKER. “As the only SVR operator to have its system operated by all 52 UK Police forces, TRACKER is uniquely placed to aid in the recovery of cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, caravans and motorhomes, even plant machinery. This award offers clear recognition of TRACKER’s position in the war against asset theft and the leading name stolen vehicle recovery.”

Working like an electronic homing device using Very High Frequency (VHF) technology, TRACKER’s SVR products help police recover an average of £2million worth of stolen vehicles each month. The signal is tracked by the police, directing them to the exact location of the stolen vehicle. Unlike GPS/GSM tracking solutions, TRACKER’s VHF system is immune to GPS/GSM jammers, offering an effective safeguard against this growing form of attack. Jamming is a technique used by thieves across Europe to block a satellite signal to a GPS receiver, or prevent GSM-based communication with the tracking device, making it impossible to trace a stolen vehicle

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hooper, Head of AVCIS says, “We will continue to work with the industry, and TRACKER is one of our partnership organisations. These partnerships will reduce the likelihood of persons becoming the victim of crime and directly counter the attempts by criminals to defeat location devices. It is our firm belief that only through this integrated approach, police and industry working together, will the fight against organised crime be successful.”

Adds Inspector Andrew Huddleston, South Area Road Policing Unit, Durham Constabulary: “TRACKER has been used by Durham’s Road Policing Unit as its primary tracking system for covert operations because it delivers true results and strong customer support. The technical support from the police liaison team is first class. The innovative use of TRACKER technology, both GPRS and VHF, has led to the Road Policing team having been awarded a Chief Constable’s commendation, winning the Matt Wilkinson trophy for innovation, and has been short listed for the national Tiley awards.”

An ongoing focus on innovation and product development means TRACKER is always one step ahead. This summer will see the launch of its ground-breaking TRACKER Locate system, combining the benefits of a truly integrated VHF/GPS/GSM solution.

Mark Hooper continues, “Devices that interfere with the equipment used in locating stolen vehicles has been a persistent problem. Innovative solutions like TRACKER Locate will force the thief to tackle the entire vehicle locating technology that may be present, which exposes them to additional risk of detection.”

Commenting on the award, Chairman of the Judging Panel George Emmerson said: ‘The TRACKER name stands head and shoulders above its industry rivals and by providing a consistently high quality service to its many clients, TRACKER has established an enviable reputation in the fleet industry. The only SVR system operated by all 52 UK police forces, TRACKER is regularly praised by police, public and van fleet operators alike.’

Bill Raynal adds, “We are delighted to receive this Van Fleet World award, which adds to a growing list of industry recognition and accreditations. TRACKER is the first vehicle tracking systems provider to be licensed by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and is now the only tracking system accredited by ACPO through its ‘Secured by Design’ initiative. In addition, our Thatcham Quality Accreditation (TQA) offers further guarantee of the standard of TRACKER’s SVR solutions and the powerful role they play in the reduction of vehicle crime.

“Whilst the recovery statistics of TRACKER’s award-winning SVR products speak for themselves, overwhelming acknowledgement from the police and industry experts confirms our position as market leader, making this a significant win for the business.”