Tracking system aimed at tracing stolen cars: Hidden radio devices 'almost impossible for thieves to remove'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A SYSTEM to enable stolen cars to be tracked down through radio signals is being launched next month.
The system, called Tracker, has the approval of the Home Office and the police, who are anxious to increase the chances of recovering stolen vehicles. More than a third of the 630,000 vehicles stolen last year have not been recovered and the number of thefts by professional thieves who aim to retain or sell the car has been increasing.
Subscribers to the system, which is available only from the AA, will pay pounds 160 plus an annual subscription of pounds 61.10 to have a device fitted to their vehicle. If the vehicle is stolen, the owner reports the theft to the police and the Tracker control centre.
The device in the car will then be activated to emit radio signals. Police cars - and possibly fixed locations such as ports and estuary crossings - fitted with computers that detect the signal will then be able to trace it.
As a car fitted with a detection device comes within one to three miles (in an urban area) of the stolen car, the computer indicates the radio signal's direction.
The makers claim that the unit is concealed within the fabric of the car and is 'virtually impossible to remove without knowledge of its exact location'. The unit will also power itself for a while if the battery is disconnected, and should last as long as the car. There are no outside signs such as stickers or aerials.
Several insurance companies are offering discounts to motorists who fit Tracker.
The system has proved itself in the United States. Since its introduction in 1986, all but 6 per cent of stolen vehicles fitted with the system have been recovered. The average recovery time in the US is claimed to be two hours.
Police said yesterday that the theft of car telephones amounted to pounds 50m a year. Representatives from the police, manufacturers Motorola, Cellnet and the Federation of Communication Services met in Slough, Berkshire, to discuss the thefts.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments