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Nowhere left for car thieves to hide

17th August 2010 Print

Combating vehicle theft is an ongoing challenge and keeping one step ahead is vital in the war against car crime. In response, TRACKER, the UK leader in stolen vehicle recovery,  has launched TRACKER Locate, a ground breaking system immune to GPS/GSM ‘jamming’ and  the ultimate defence against vehicle theft.

As the most advanced tracking device now on the market, TRACKER Locate incorporates GSM, GPS and VHF technology in one unit.  The result is a robust stolen vehicle recovery solution that has three means of location and two means of communication (which means…).  Fundamentally, TRACKER Locate has intelligent signal jamming detection and has been specifically designed for the stolen vehicle recovery market.

Stephen Doran, managing director, TRACKER, explains: “Jamming remains a persistent threat for car owners, police and the motor industry across Europe. It involves thieves blocking a satellite signal to a GPS receiver, or preventing GSM-based communication with a tracking device, making it impossible to trace stolen vehicles. Those who rely only on GPS and GSM solutions to help recover stolen assets are probably unaware of the system’s vulnerability, but in truth there really shouldn’t be a sole reliance on this technology.  In fact, the UK police routinely find GPS and GSM jammers in stolen cars.  

“The new TRACKER Locate system, which combines VHF with GPS and GSM technology, is far more resilient against this form of attack.  Not only does it offer motorists an effective safeguard against theft, it greatly increases the chances of a stolen vehicle’s recovery and exposing the thief to a potential conviction.”

Mark Hooper, head of the ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service adds: “The challenge we face when tackling vehicle theft is from professional criminals who are using readily available and inexpensive ‘jamming’ units that work across Europe.  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.”

Operated by all 52 police forces, TRACKER can inform the police of the initial location of the stolen vehicle who can then employ the precision of the VHF technology to track a stolen vehicle to its exact location. Crucially, TRACKER Locate will alert TRACKER if there is any attempt to jam any of the communication channels. In addition, the unit is approved by Thatcham TQA, a verification programme of the quality, design and performance of automotive aftermarket devices.

Doran concludes: “TRACKER Locate is part of our ongoing commitment to successfully supporting the police in their ongoing campaign to stop thieves. Meeting all necessary approvals, including Thatcham TQA, TRACKER Locate has already been well received by the market and we expect this innovative unit to help police in tackling vehicle theft and protect the motorist.”

For further product information please visit TRACKER.co.uk.