How a Car Tracker Can Protect Your Car During the Christmas Period
The festive period should be a time of joy, glad tidings and goodwill to all men. Unfortunately, it can be a busy time for car thieves. Every year, the news is filled with stories of families having their cars stolen, often with a boot full of gifts and Christmas food and drink.
Many are opportunist thefts and we often make it too easy for thieves by leaving goods on show and forgetting to properly secure our vehicles. By making sure doors are locked and alarm or immobiliser systems are fully armed, we can ward off at least some of these attempts.
Alarms and immobilisers are excellent deterrents when correctly utilised. However, one of the most effective anti-theft deterrents is undoubtedly a car tracker. There is a vast range of trackers to choose from depending on your requirements and your budget. This is why it is always a good idea to take advice from a company specialising in the field of vehicle protection, especially if you’re unsure about the tech.
Why invest in a car tracker?
A Thatcham-approved tracking device provides next-level security for your car and is the most reliable and efficient way of ensuring it doesn’t become just another crime statistic. Motor insurance companies are more likely to offer lower insurance premiums for drivers who take all possible steps to keep their vehicle safe from crime. Should the worst happen and your car does go missing, then the real-time location data gathered by the tracking device and sent directly to you, the police or to a security monitoring centre ensures the rapid recovery of your car.
How does a car tracker work?
Most tracking devices use either GPS signals in combination with satellite and cellular networks or VHF signals; some use both. A GPS device receives signals from multiple satellites to track and locate the exact position of your vehicle anywhere in the world. VHF systems can provide an additional capability to locate a stolen vehicle when the GPS signal is weak.
Data from the device is instantly sent to your smartphone or other device to tell you exactly where your car is, where it has been and even its speed. App monitoring means you are always in control of what your car is doing.
It is important that when you install a tracking device on your car that it is placed in a covert location which cannot be detected by the average thief. To this end it is advisable to consult a professional installation technician.
Can my keyless entry car be stolen?
Many modern cars have the keyless entry system which can be more convenient than having to root around in your bag or pocket for the car keys. Unfortunately, this convenience comes at a price, as car thieves have already found a way around this.
According to the latest statistics between 60% and 70% of cars stolen in the 12 months up to July 2024 were keyless entry models.
The issue is a growing problem as criminals are easily able to obtain devices which allow them to bypass the car’s security system in what is known as a ‘relay attack’. This involves two people working together to steal your car. One stands near the home with the device able to detect the signal from your key fob inside the house. The other stands by your car to get in as soon as it unlocks.
Be vigilant over the festive season
It’s clear that you need to take extra care to keep your car safe from thieves whether at home or out and about. Lock the doors, keep goods out of sight and for the ultimate protection, consider installing a car tracker.
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