Operation Semita success clamps down on car thieves

One year on since the launch of Operation Semita - an innovative partnership between TRACKER, the UK’s leading stolen vehicle recovery company and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (AVCIS) – a staggering half a million pounds worth of stolen vehicles have been recovered. The powerful partnership was forged to fight vehicle crime and help recover the growing number of stolen vehicles that have had theft claims settled against them.

The initiative uses TRACKER technology to locate stolen vehicles that have not had their tracking technology activated at the time of the theft.  “Project Semita has proved a huge success over the last year, benefiting many insurers,” says Stuart Chapman, Police Relationships Manager for TRACKER. “TRACKER technology was crucial in recovering these vehicles, which had been missing for several months.  By activating the tracking devices we were able to help police make successful recoveries and arrests. Without our unique relationship with the police this would not have been possible.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hooper, Head of AVCIS adds: “We are very pleased with the results achieved so far with Project Semita. We have certainly stepped up the fight against vehicle crime. It has allowed us to recover stolen cars, identify those responsible and gain valuable intelligence on how cars are stolen and how they are disposed of. This is beneficial for all concerned; car owners, insurers and the police service. It has allowed police and insurers to detect potentially fraudulent claims.  However, ultimately, it has reduced exposure through targeted disruption of those organised criminal groups responsible for directing and orchestrating thefts 'to order,' which is a win-win for all involved.”

Leading insurer esure recovered over £65,000 worth of stolen vehicles thanks to Operation Semita. Andy Nixon Claims Fraud Co-ordinator from esure explains, “Project Semita has certainly benefited esure, as a number of vehicles that had theft claims settled against them by esure have been recovered. The success of Operation Semita speaks for itself and working with TRACKER has allowed us to recover assets that would otherwise have been written off. We would urge other insurers to sign up to this worthwhile initiative.”

Chapman concludes, “Operation Semita is another example of the power of TRACKER’s relationship with police forces across the UK. By harnessing the power of TRACKER technology to help the police recover stolen vehicles and clamp down on criminal gangs, we are sending a strong message of resistance to thieves.”