Tracking devices
A tracking device won’t prevent car theft, but it significantly increases the chances of recovering your car if it is stolen.
In many cases, stolen vehicles with trackers are recovered within hours.
How tracking devices work
- GPS trackers - uses real-time satellite tracking to pinpoint your car’s location.
- RF trackers - works even if the car is hidden in a garage or underground.
- Immobiliser trackers - some advanced devices allow you to disable the engine remotely.
- Apple airTags - these are relatively cheap (from about £35) and you can hide one in your car and then you will be able to follow it should it be stolen.
Why trackers are important
- Increases recovery chances - many police forces work directly with tracker companies to quickly locate stolen vehicles. Many thieves also often take a vehicle, leave it somewhere for a period to check whether it has a tracking device on it, and then if it is not found by the police in a set period of time, they will then take it to process it. If you have a tracker on it, the chances of you/the police finding your car before it is taken to be processed is much higher.
- Reduces insurance costs - some insurers offer discounts for cars with trackers.
- Provides real-time alerts - some devices send a notification if your car moves unexpectedly.
Top tips
- Choose a Thatcham-approved tracker for the best reliability - find out more about Thatcham approved devices.
- Hide the device inside the car to prevent thieves from finding and removing it.
- Regularly check the battery and signal to ensure it’s working correctly.
