The techniques thieves use to steal your car have evolved over the years, often mirroring or utilising the technology the cars themselves have adopted.
In the 1980s when car ownership, and therefore car theft, was beginning to skyrocket, the method was fairly simplistic. Thieves would either smash a window or put a screwdriver into your door lock to gain entry, then break your ignition barrel, hot-wire the car and drive away.
This was the age of bright yellow steering wheel locks, wheel clamps and gear-stick locks which aimed to deter these brutal attacks. As cars became more sophisticated, so did the method the thieves would use.
Fast forward to today, the brute force attacks whilst they have not disappeared completely, thieves employ a whole raft of far more advanced techniques to get into your car and drive it away. One of the most devious of these is known as key cloning
WHAT IS KEY CLONING?
Key cloning, as the name suggests, is the process of creating a perfect copy of your car key by cloning its electronic signature. This obviously will only work on cars that have keyless entry or remote locking, but that’s standard on almost all modern cars these days.
You might be wondering how thieves get a hold of your keys to create a clone of it, but they’re one step ahead of you.
Thieves will look for any location where you are separated from, not only your car but also your keys for an extended period. This could be at a less-reputable car repair garage or when using valet parking or cleaning services. In fact anywhere where you have to leave your key behind and they can gain access to it.
Once they have it, even for a short period, they can begin the process of duplicating the data held within.
Even without your key, thieves can also utilise your car’s OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) port to clone your key. You can read more about how thieves can hijack the OBD port on a previous blog linked here.
HOW IS KEY CLONING DONE?
As the technology within our cars has evolved, so too have the tools thieves use to steal them. Key cloning is no exception. All they need is a transponder, some blank keys and the cloning machine.
Once thieves have your key, they may try and steal the car immediately, steal it later in the day or even wait for you to return and follow you home and steal it from your property when you are inside.
The equipment they need to clone your key isn’t as hard to find as you might think. The same systems are used by legitimate garages and locksmiths who may need to help you get into your car if you lost your keys and need to create a new one. It’s when it’s used by nefarious types that the problems start.
These devices are relatively cheap to buy and quick to use and, once they have the equipment, they can use it again and again on hundreds, if not thousands of other potential victims.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
As with any type of car security, the more weapons you have in your arsenal to protect your vehicle, the better and safer it will be.
Obviously, if you absolutely have to leave your car keys with someone else, make sure it’s a reputable business you’re using and, where possible, fit something to your car that lets you know what’s happening with your vehicle when you’re not around. The perfect solution for that is a tracker.
Trackers will help you locate your vehicle when you’re not present via a dedicated smartphone app. You can get alerts when it’s started or moved and see it in real time.
All of the trackers in our store will offer this functionality, but if you really want to go one step further, then you’ll need a system that also blocks the OBD port, rendering it useless.
Whilst it won’t stop them from copying your key (let’s face it, nothing can guarantee that 100% of the time), it does remove an option for would-be thieves, rendering your car a less attractive proposition.
There are three trackers in particular, the ScorpionTrack S5-VTS, Meta-Trak S5-VTS and the Tracker S5 Plus which all come with the ability to protect your OBD port from external hacking attempts.
Each one of them gives you the peace of mind to know that your car will be as secure as it can be. However, should the worst happen and it is stolen, each one comes with a raft of alerts and notifications so you can track it and liaise with the respective 24/7 control centre and/or Police forces to ensure your car is located and returned to you as quickly as possible.
Car security has always and probably will always be a game of cat-and-mouse between thieves and the security devices designed to thwart them. As security improves, thieves will always try and find a way around it, but with any of the trackers we sell here at Infiniti, you know that it’s a game you’re more likely to win with us on your side.
⚬ We have a wide range of trackers to suit every budget, every vehicle and every circumstance.
⚬ Installation is available anywhere in the mainland UK.
⚬ We have a team of experts ready to help you make the right decision when it comes to securing your car.
If you’re looking to take the first steps to secure your vehicle, then please know we’re available Monday to Friday between 9 am – 6 pm on 0330 043 3993 to answer any of your queries. Give us a call and let’s get your car, van, motorbike or motorhome fitted with one of our incredible trackers before it’s too late.
With the cold winter weather starting to ease, our minds can start to turn towards the warmer days, lighter evenings and summer nights. With more and more people choosing to take their holidays at home, motorhomes have become a very viable option for those looking to take in the sights of this glorious nation.
For all the vehicles available to you, one of the most popular at the moment is Fiat’s Ducato motorhome. Not only is this one of the most popular and affordable motorhomes available, it’s also becoming quite the collectors item. It has won the “Best Motorhome Base Vehicle 2023” voted for by Promobil readers for the 15th consecutive year, so it’s clearly a hit!
Whilst motorhomes, including the Ducato, offer a freedom to go where you want and stay how you want, they also offer thieves the opportunity to steal something they want, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you have a Fiat Ducato motorhome now, or are looking to buy one in the future, or any motorhome for that matter, then keeping it safe and secure will be your number one priority, but how do you do that?
What’s available to protect your motorhome from theft? Let’s take a look.
It’s worth noting that all these fantastic devices work well on any motorhome, van or truck, they aren’t specific to the Ducato. We can install them for you no matter what type of motorhome you have.
SMARTRACK MOTORHOME PROTECTOR
The Motorhome Protector from leading security company SmarTrack is one of the most affordable vehicle tracking systems available. Not only does it use the latest tracking technology incorporating GSM, GPRS, GPS and LPS frequencies, it also comes with a free dedicated smartphone app to help you manage your device on the go.
This tracker also gives you access to SmarTrack’s own control centre, offering 24/7 access should you need them. They will be able to help locate your vehicle and even liaise with the police to ensure that it’s not only found, but recovered as quickly and painlessly as possible.
As you would expect, access to the app also gives you a range of alerts and notifications to help you stay informed about every aspect of the device. You’ll get alerts if the battery is disconnected or if motion is detected. It also comes with European coverage straight of the box, so if you’re planning on travelling abroad, then we’ve got you covered.
PHANTOM ITRACK S5 MOTORHOME TRACKER
Phantom Tracking will be a common name to many of you, but they now trade as ‘Moving Intelligence’, which is a very fitting name as anyone buying this tracker will have made an incredibly smart decision. They have been a force in the leisure vehicle security industry for over two decades, so their knowledge and reputation for quality speak for themselves.
The iTrack S5 Motorhome tracker is one of the very best systems for your home on wheels, Ducato or not. With it reaching Thatcham’s highest S5 classification, you can rest assured that you’re getting a premium product. The S5 moniker means that you’ll enjoy the very latest in security technology with the Driver ID tags.
These tags are small enough to store on your keys, your wallet or in your pocket and give you an extra level of security. If the tags aren’t in close proximity to the vehicle, then it simply won’t start, giving you peace of mind that while you’re out and about, your vehicle will be staying put.
It’s worth noting that they also offer an S7 version, if you’re looking to spend a little less. It may not have all the features of the S5, but it’s still a fantastic tracker.
SCORPIONTRACK S5 MOTORHOME DEFENDER
If you need a motorhome tracker that is approved by the insurance industry to satisfy the requirements of your policy, then the S5 Motorhome Defender from ScorpionTrack might be perfect for you.
Not only is it insurance-approved, it has also been designed and manufactured in the UK to the Police’s own Preferred Specification. As such it comes with protections against many of the tricks used by the modern car thief including key cloning, OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) hacks and key theft.
Like the previous offering from Phantom (aka Moving Intelligence) this is an S5-rated tracker, so comes with the Driver Recognition tags and all the alerts and notifications you would expect from this exceptional device and its dedicated smartphone app.
Should it be stolen, the Defender also comes with a remote immobilisation option to stop your motorhome dead in its tracks.
⚬ Whether you drive a Fiat Ducato or any other motorhome, protecting it is key to using it.
⚬ Don’t let the joy of an open road open up a world of pain by not securing your vehicle.
⚬ We have a vast range of other trackers designed for any motorhome on our website. Click here for more details.
Before you embark on your latest road trip, make sure you speak to our team, available for you from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993. We have years of experience and can help you find the best tracker for your motorhome so you can enjoy it the way it was designed.
For all the advances in car security we enjoy today, for all the cutting-edge technology that goes into keeping our vehicles safe and secure, there will be thieves who are always only one step behind.
Whilst London and the West Midlands might lead the way in terms of car theft hot spots, making up for 68% of all thefts, nowhere is immune from this disease. Everyone, every car and every location are at risk.
In years gone by, car theft was a fairly primitive exercise. Thieves would either use a thin piece of metal behind the window to unlock your car or they’d just smash the window completely to gain access. Once inside, they’d smash your steering column, pull the wires, hot-wire the ignition to get it started and be gone.
With both cars and the technology behind them becoming much more advanced, the thieves have had to adapt too, but what methods does the modern car thief use to steal your car these days? Let’s take a look.
RELAY ATTACK
The modern car thief is often not one person at all. Given how basic car security used to be, thieves of the past were more opportunistic, but that’s not the case now.
Many of the cars stolen in the modern day are done by gangs of car thieves, often stealing cars, bikes, motorhomes or trucks to order based on their specifications. Having a team behind them is useful when carrying out one of the most common methods of stealing a car, and that’s through a relay attack.
With many modern cars coming with keyless entry or remote locking as standard, thieves are exploiting this technology that we often take for granted.
Relay attacks involve a group of thieves working in unison to clone the signal your keys emit to unlock your car.
As most people drop their key just inside the front door when they go in, one person will stand just outside your home with a transmitter and send the signal to another standing next to the car with a receiver.
This signal then relays from the key fob to the transmitter, to the receiver and to the car unlocking it without you even realising it. Once inside, they can just drive away thanks to the keyless start. This method is so prolific that 99.2% of all car thefts reported were stolen by leveraging their own keyless entry system.
You can protect yourself from this by keeping your keys away from the door or kept in a Faraday box, or bag, which blocks the signal from escaping. If that’s not possible, just keep your keys as far away as possible from the point of entry.
TRANSPONDER KEY CLONING
Whilst car thieves are bad enough, they sometimes have help from those you might least expect. Transponder key cloning can happen when you take your car into a dodgy garage, car valet or parking service, or in fact anywhere where you need to leave your car keys with them.
If that business has some unscrupulous types within it, they can take your key, often left with them while they do the work on your vehicle, then thanks to the unique code within it that your car recognises, they will copy that same code onto a blank key, which can easily be bought online. You get your key back, none the wiser of what’s happened.
Unbeknownst to you, now they have a perfect duplicate of your car’s key, so will come and steal your car maybe a day, week or month later.
If you are leaving your car with a service like this, always try and use a business where you can check their credentials or use one that’s been recommended. Check how long they’ve been in business and always be comfortable before handing it over.
It can be impossible to know if this type of key cloning has happened, so always add extra layers of security to your vehicle when it’s at home or not in use. These can be additional physical deterrents like steering wheel locks, wheel clamps or gear-stick locks. Anything that will deter and slow down a car thief will help.
TRACK IT BACK
There’s no denying that, if a thief is determined enough and has the necessary resources, if they want to steal a car, they will. Whether it’s through cutting-edge technology or just sheer brute force, so while stealing it is their thing, getting it back is ours, and that’s where a tracker comes into play.
Take a look at our store and you’ll be sure to find a tracker that suits you. Should the worst happen and your pride and joy is stolen, you’ll be assured knowing that whether you drive a luxury car, a practical van, an adrenaline-fueled motorbike or a mobile motorhome there will be a tracking device to suit it.
With trackers offering 24/7 control centre monitoring, location tracking via a smartphone app and a host of alerts and notifications, you can keep on top of your vehicle’s position and, should it be stolen, you can track it and recover it in no time at all.
⚬ Don’t become a victim of these and other types of car thefts.
⚬ Make your vehicle as secure as possible with a tracker from Infiniti Tracking.
⚬ We can come and install your tracker anywhere in the mainland UK at a time and place that suits you.
If you’re unsure about the best tracker for you, call and speak to our team, who are available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993 and we help. We have the knowledge and experience to find you the perfect tracker.
At the end of 2020, there were over 400,000 Range Rovers registered and on the roads in the UK. As a car, it’s one that has only gained in stature in recent years. and become quite the status symbol.
Rather than the ‘box on wheels’ image it once had in the 1970s, this luxury SUV has gradually transformed itself and become an icon of our roads the world over.
Because it’s so highly sought after, car thieves want it as much as the rest of us, and that’s not a good combination. If you’re driving one of these incredible vehicles and want to know how to protect it from theft, then you’re in the right place.
RANGE ROVER SECURITY TIPS
The best ways to securing your Range Rover will vary depending on which model you have and on the age of your vehicle.
The later Range Rover models, like the Evoque and Sport, are much more technologically advanced in terms of their security systems compared to many of the older models, but that’s not to say older models aren’t attractive to thieves.
In fact, the older Defender model is often high on a thieves wish list as it’s relatively easy to steal due to it’s age and specification.
It might sound obvious, but many of the most successful ways to secure your Range Rover, regardless of the model, is to observe some basic security fundamentals.
When leaving your vehicle, make sure it’s locked at all times (even when you’re driving it). Thanks to features like keyless entry and remote locking, many people still often forget to lock their car when leaving it alone.
Often key fobs need to be directed at the car to lock it and many people don’t do that. When leaving your vehicle unattended, always physically double check that it’s locked and secure.
If you’re leaving it alone for any period of time, always try to park in a well-lit space, populated areas and, ideally, one protected by security cameras. Thieves love dark corners and out-of-the-way car parks, so don’t give them any more opportunities to steal your car.
TELETRAC TRACKSTAR S5
Of course it should come as no surprise to you that one of the best defences against Range Rover theft is with a vehicle tracker. If you’re looking for one that is approved by Range Rover themselves, then the Teletrac Trackstar S5 is one to take notice of.
This incredible S5 tracker is insurance-approved and comes with Thatcham’s highest rating so you know it’s going to deliver on every feature you want.
As well as the standard alerts and notifications you’d expect like battery disconnect, motion and low battery, thanks to its dedicated smartphone app, 24/7 Control Centre and Driver ID tags, this tracker gives you the protection few other trackers can match.
The Driver ID tags themselves are an amazing piece of kit. These small technological marvels only allow the car to be started and driven away when they are in close proximity to the car. In other words, when you’re close by.
At the time of writing, we’re also running a FREE subscription offer on this particular tracker when you purchase either a 1 or 3 year subscription, so get in touch to take advantage of this great deal.
A CUT ABOVE
For all the built-in and additional technology keeping your Range Rover secure, thieves are also using cutting-edge technology of their own, but that may not mean what you think it does.
Increasingly, thieves are learning that if they cut a square hole in the plastic boot lid of a standard Range Rover, then they can access the wiring and hack into the onboard computer.
All the more reason to make sure you are fully protected with a tracker that will add another level of security to these fantastic cars and help you keep it just where YOU want it.
⚬ If you need any advice on the best trackers to secure your Range Rover, get in touch with us. We have loads of options to choose from.
⚬ Whilst some of the best deterents to help secure your vehicle are easy to use and cheap to obtain, they can only do so much.
⚬ Whether you drive a Range Rover or not, don’t become another victim of car crime. We can help.
You don’t need to drive a Range Rover to be serious about car security. Speak to our team, who are available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993 and we can advise you on the best tracker for you and your car, bike, motorhome or van.
When you’re shopping around for a car tracker, it’s easy to be bamboozled by the various options available to you. This is also true when it comes to the feature sets of many of the incredible trackers, especially those in our store.
One of the most misunderstood facets of car trackers is related to the technology that comes built into these amazing devices that helps you locate a stolen vehicle.
We’ve previously done a post on GPS tracking and what that is, but this time we wanted to look at another term you might see when browsing, GLONASS. It’s not a term many of us in the English-speaking world might be familiar with, but we think it’s important to know what it is and how it works.
WHAT IS GLONASS?
GLONASS is a portmanteau of the words GLObal NAvigation Satellite System and consists of 24 satellites operating in Earth’s orbit.
The system was first developed by Russia as far back as 1976 but the first satellite wasn’t launched until 1982. The system became fully operational over a decade later in 1995.
At its core, GLONASS is basically another type of GPS (Global Positioning System) used to track the position of compatible receivers around the world. This could be via your mobile phone or, in our case, in a car tracking system.
GLONASS is a Russian satellite-based system that works as an alternative to the more western-based GPS, but the two systems can also work together to help make the data they provide more accurate. In some cases, this collaborative approach results in a 20% improvement than using just GPS alone.
GLONASS DECONSTRUCTED
Whilst people often refer to GLONASS as a singular entity, there are actually five versions of it. As we mentioned, the first one launched in the 1980s and was only initially used for military and official Governmental projects, primarily for weather and positioning needs.
When GLONASS-M launched in 2003, this update was the first time it offered civilian uses. This was further enhanced in 2011 when a third civilian frequency was added, known as GLONASS-K.
The latest working version, known as GLONASS-K2 was originally planned to launch in 2021 but was postponed until 2022. Here in 2023, we’re still waiting for it to be launched and come online.
The fifth version of the system is currently being researched and is expected to launch towards the end of this decade.
HOW DOES GLONASS WORK?
Like any global positioning system, GLONASS works via a network of satellites orbiting the earth in three orbital planes. GLONASS has 8 satellites per plane. This constellation geometry then repeats once every 8 days.
To receive a location, you will need a minimum of 4 of them for a receiver to calculate its position in 3D space. This also helps the receiver, or tracker in our case, understand your position, velocity and acceleration information.
If you’re wanting to make sure your next vehicle tracker comes equipped with GLONASS (as well as many other technologies), then check out our systems that come with it built in. They include:
No matter what tracker you want to buy, regardless of whether it’s a GLONASS-compatible system or not, our team is available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 to talk you through the process. Мы рады услышать от вас в ближайшее время.
Whilst we’re always going to advocate for the installation of a vehicle tracker to safeguard your beloved car, motorbike, caravan or truck, it is our bread and butter after all, it’s not something that you can just forget about once it’s installed.
Having one of our car trackers fitted is only part of the journey and that alone isn’t always enough to comply with your insurance requirements. Once it’s installed, it also has to be activated to work correctly.
PAY YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FEE
Whilst it might seem obvious, you’d be amazed how many times customers forget to pay their subscription. On top of that, there has been a rise in the number of insurance companies that have simply refused to pay out for stolen vehicles because their customer’s insurance policy is deemed to be void as the tracker has no subscription.
Let’s be honest, insurance companies don’t need much of an excuse not to pay out, so it’s vital your system is fully activated and the subscription is paid, once our team of engineers has installed it.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ACTIVATE A TRACKER
Activating a tracker isn’t just a requirement of your insurance policy, especially if it’s stipulated part of your agreement to have one, it’s also integral to how it works.
Without it being activated, the tracker can’t communicate with the manufacturer’s system, so their control centre won’t be able to see its location or recover the vehicle in a theft situation. Without activation, it’s just a box of circuits and wires attached to your car.
If you’ve worked hard and have a luxury car to drive around in, then chances are the fitting of a vehicle tracker will be a prerequisite of any insurance policy, based purely on the price you paid and / or the current market value of the vehicle.
If your car comes with a tracker factory-fitted then chances are it may be activated when you buy it (but always check). If it’s something you have fitted on the after-market, then you will often need to get it fitted BEFORE you get insurance, or at least let the insurance company know that you’re getting it installed at a later date.
They may well insist it’s fitted before the policy can be started and you might also have to send confirmation to them to validate your policy. But again, fitting it is just half the story.
HOW TO ACTIVATE A TRACKER
Given how many people don’t, or forget, to activate their tracker, you might be thinking that’s because it’s overly complicated or difficult to do. It’s actually very, very simple.
Once you’ve chosen the tracker you want from our store, paid for the device and any subscriptions that might come with it, the next step is to arrange with our team to have it installed.
This can be done at your home, office, place of work or anywhere in the mainland UK. It’s at that point, once the installation is complete, the manufacturer will usually reach out to you via email or phone to get your subscription set up.
Whether it’s SmarTrack, ScorpionTrack, or whomever else made the device, just choose your subscription length then give them your payment details and it’s done. Simple as that.
It’s worth noting that some of our trackers, for example from Meta Trak and Vodafone Automotive come pre-activated with a subscription plan. Just be sure to make a note of when it expires and ensure you renew it when the time comes. This is often another thing that gets overlooked but is also just as simple to fix.
⚬ Don’t get caught out by not activating your tracker or setting up the subscription.
⚬ If you have any questions about it, please don’t hesitate to contact us or the manufacturer.
⚬ Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out the consequences of not activating your device or renewing your subscription.
Our team fully understands that it can be a daunting process but are available to help and answer any questions you might have between 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993. Our customer service doesn’t end when you buy from us, that’s only the beginning.
As the economy starts to take a bigger bite from your wages, your savings and any disposable income you have, many of us are looking at ways to tighten our belts.
When you’re looking to save money, it’s easy to spend less in the short term, but that can often cost you even more in the long run.
If you’re looking to buy a car tracker to keep your vehicle secure, then the costs can mount up, but there is another option if you’re on a budget.
Within our fantastic range of vehicle trackers, we also offer a selection that aren’t insurance-approved.
Now that might sound like a strange proposition at first, but these devices offer fantastic value for money, whilst also giving you the power to monitor your vehicle yourself, right from the palm of your hand.
The question is are they any good? What are they? Do non-insurance approved trackers still provide you with enough peace of mind that your vehicle will be secure without the expense? Let’s take a look.
WHAT DOES ‘NON-INSURANCE APPROVED TRACKER’ REALLY MEAN?
Most vehicle trackers gain their ‘insurance-approved’ status by meeting the strict criteria set down by Thatcham Research, the insurance-funded automative research centre, but it’s not a mandatory requirement.
Thatcham’s aim is to reduce the cost of motor insurance claims by increasing vehicular safety standards. As such, security product manufacturers work hard to ensure their products pass Thatcham’s rigorous testing procedures to prove their credentials. This is vital when it comes to marketing their systems and gain that all-important ‘insurance approved’ status.
The features within those products provide the public with reassurance that the design, functionality and performance of the device meets set standards. The thing is, trackers don’t HAVE to meet these to be effective.
You might think that buying a ‘non-insurance approved’ tracker means it’s going to come from a backstreet manufacturer, or that it’s not going to give you the protection you need, but that’s just not the case.
Many of the leading manufacturers of car trackers, like Meta Trek, ScorpionTrack and 
SmarTrack make these trackers too. They obviously know their stuff and wouldn’t risk their professional reputation on a second-class product.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES?
The main differences between an insurance-approved and non-insurance approved tracker often boils down to the level of support you receive from the manufacturer.
Most, if not all, approved systems come with access to a 24/7 control centre who, in the event of a theft, will be available to you to track your vehicle and liaise with the police to recover the vehicle. With non-approved trackers, that will be done by you via a smartphone app.
The other main difference is that some trackers that fit this non-insurance-approved criteria can be installed without any specialist knowledge, and some have no wiring to connect at all. The ultimate DIY system for those looking to secure their vehicle for less. Don’t worry though, we can still come and install them anywhere in the UK if needed.
You will still get many of the notifications and alerts that more expensive trackers come with, like journey history, geo-fencing, low battery warning and driver behaviour analysis.
They are also transferable when, or if, you change your vehicle and want to move the tracker from one car, bike, motorhome or van to another.
LOW SUBSCRIPTION
Another key benefit of having a non-insurance-approved tracker is that they have no, or very low, subscription fees.
Most of the normal subscription costs goes towards maintaining the 24/7 control centre but, as we mentioned earlier, not having that as part of the package means that more of your money stays in your pocket.
Whilst you might not get all the ‘bells and whistles’ many other systems offer, that doesn’t mean that you’re getting second-best. These systems still will give you and your vehicle the security you need and you get it all for less.
⚬ If you’re interested, you can check out our range of non-insurance approved trackers
⚬ Leading brands with fantastic trackers at low prices, including those for fleet management.
⚬ For those looking for a self-tracking, self-management solution, these can offer incredible devices for less.
If we’ve opened your eyes to what’s available then we’d love to hear from you. Our team is available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 to find you the best tracker, whether it’s insurance approved or not, and get your vehicle secured as soon as possible.
Time seems to fly whether you’re having fun or not. After a seemingly lightning quick year and with Christmas just a few short weeks away, thoughts turn to putting together a list of presents to get and hoping you find yourself on the big fellas nice list.
Whilst it can be a tricky time for some, if you find yourself with some money to burn and are wanting to splash out on something amazing for your family, friends or even yourself, what could you get for over £200? We’re glad you asked!
We previously posted a Christmas Gift Guide for those looking to spend less than £200, but this is for those with a little more money at their disposal.
We’ve tried to put together a list that would appeal to most people so, without further ado, let’s take a look at what we have at the £200 price point and over, including those for whom money is no object, but where vehicle security is still a top concern.
TRACKER LOCATE
When it comes to car trackers, the two choices are often whether to get one rated as S7 or S5. These relate to Thatcham Research’s categorisation of security products; S5 being the higher of the two, but S7 shouldn’t be discounted so easily.
The Tracker Locate is the premier S7 tracker. Its key feature is that it combines VHF (Very High Frequency) with GPS and GSM technologies to offer a premium recovery system that is far more resilient to attacks than many similar and other more expensive products.
Even if thieves block the GPS and GSM signals, VHF will still be active to ensure your vehicle can be tracked and recovered quickly and easily.
So not only do you get an incredible tracker, you get peace of mind that your vehicle is much safer and more secure this festive period.
THINKWARE U1000 DASHCAM
If you’re looking beyond a vehicle tracker, or have one already, then how about a dashboard camera, or ‘dash-cam’, as they’re often referred to?
With some many potential hazards on the roads these days, being able to record what goes on could be vital in proving you weren’t at fault for any insurance claims, especially if those pesky reindeers aren’t watching where they’re going!
The U1000 is one of the latest products from Thinkware and is their flagship product, thanks to its market-leading 4k Ultra High-Definition front-facing camera and a 150 degree wide angle view.
Combine this incredible device with their optional 2K rear-facing camera and your sleigh ride is covered from every angle.
META TRAK S5 DEADLOCK PRO
Let’s finish with the most expensive tracker we sell, the S5 Deadlock Pro from Meta Trak. It might be expensive for some, but if you’re looking for a vehicle tracker that has everything you need, look no further!
The S5 Deadlock Pro really is the ultimate vehicle security solution, so has to be on our list and yours! If you’ve seen its little brother (or is it sister?) the S5 Deadlock, then this takes it to the Pro level and beyond.
As vehicles get more sophisticated and security technology advances, the thieves and the tools they use do too and that’s exactly where this tracker comes into play.
Building on the success of the Deadlock, this beast of a system has everything that has, with the addition of OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) port immobilisation, making it one of the most advanced vehicle security systems available anywhere.
As you would expect for such a highly spec’d tracker, it’s insurance-approved and easily meets Thatcham’s highest security categorisation. So good even Santa uses it (probably).
GIVE THE GIFT OF SECURITY
⚬ As the morning and nights get darker earlier and earlier, you want peace of mind that your vehicles is safe and secure.
⚬ Buy now and enjoy UK wide installation.
⚬ With over 20 years experience, Infiniti gives you a gift everyone will be overjoyed with.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to give yourself the gift of securing your car, motorhome, motorbike or van over Christmas and into the new year. Our team are on-hand to give you the best possible advice and get you set-up quickly and easily. We’re available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 when you’re ready to buy.
When looking for a tracker for your car, motorbike, van or motorhome, it’s easy to get daunted by the sheer number of options available to you. Do you want an S5 or S7 tracker? Can it be transferred if I change vehicle? What alerts do you get? How do I track my vehicle if it gets stolen?
Like almost any product you can buy, when there is a range of them available, there will be features in one product that isn’t in another, whilst many others will be standard across the line. Car trackers are no different.
When choosing your device there will be features that might be particularly attractive to you, but there will also be some features you should look out for, some you just might not have considered and others you didn’t know were possible.
Here we wanted to take a look at the 5 key features we think you should be aware of when choosing your device. They might not all necessarily be vital for you and your circumstances, but are very useful to know about and, if relevant, have in the device you buy. Let’s start with…
1. REAL TIME TRACKING
Whilst it might seem an obvious feature, not every tracker on the marketing has real-time tracking. It may well be able to show you where your car was at a various points in time, but not all can track your vehicle in real time.
Real time tracking means the you can literally see your vehicle move along roads, turning corners and crossing bridges with a delay so small that’s it’s practically unnoticeable. This is a massive help when you need to recover your vehicle quickly as it will help lead the police directly to where you car is, even its still moving!
2. JOURNEY HISTORY
Most of us will share our car with other drivers in our family. Whether it’s your partner or your grown-up children, the car is often at the heart of the family’s independence. As such, having a tracker than can keep an eye on the vehicles movements can be a fantastic option.
With fuel costs so high, making sure your vehicle is being driven as you would expect, on a route that’s optimal and within parameters helps you know your vehicle is being looked after and that your drivers are doing so safely.
Journey history also works well if you’re monitoring company vehicles so you can see exactly where employees are taking them and how they got there!
3. DRIVER BEHAVIOUR
Building on from the previous feature is the option many trackers have to not only monitor journeys to see WHERE the car is being driven, but to also look at HOW the car is being driven.
Many trackers now have the option to be able to monitor driver behaviour to keep a eye on things like speed, routes, braking and drive time, etc.
This can offer a fantastic insight into exactly how your car is being driven to minimise maintenance costs, even if you’re not the one behind the wheel.
4. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
This is another great feature that helps both the residential and commercial customer. Some trackers have a maintenance module built into them that keeps an electronic eye on the car in which it’s installed.
Whilst probably more suited to fleet vehicles, the device, once connected to the OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) port of the car can monitor aspects of the vehicle to help reduce preventative maintenance costs and prolong the life of the car, truck or van!
5. TOTAL COST
Not a feature as such, but definately something you should bear in mind when choosing a tracker.
Whilst the price you buy the tracker for is obviously one consideration, there are sometimes additional costs to be aware of.
Most trackers will also come with a subscription fee to pay, either annually, bi-annually or sometimes one payment to cover the lifetime of the device. The subscription covers the cost of the cellular signal the device needs to connect to satellites and its control centre. The costs and inclusions do vary, so make sure you know what you’re getting, and for how long, before you buy.
⚬ Buy a tracker that’s right for YOU!
⚬ Ensure you’re aware of all the costs before buying.
⚬ Decide on what you need, not what manufacturers think you want.
We hope this has helped you and when you’re ready to buy, please take a look at our fantastic range and we’re confident you’ll find something that’s perfect for you. If you need any advice our team is available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 to find the best tracker at the right price with installation available throughout the UK.
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, or at least it is at the time of writing this!
The weather’s getting colder, the budgets, just like Santa’s trousers, are getting tighter and you’ve got the annual stress of trying to buy that special someone something they’ll actually like and use! What do you give to the man or woman who has everything?
We think we’ve found the answer, well 3 answers in fact!
THE GIFT OF GIVING (NOT TAKING)
Vehicle trackers, like dogs, are for life, not just for Christmas. Socks and chocolates are all well and good, but when you give a gift, you want the recipient to have value in it long after the tinsel has come down. That’s where vehicle trackers really come into their own.
No matter what vehicle they have, whether it’s a car, motorbike, motorhome or van, trackers can give them peace of mind that lasts a lot longer than even the most hard-wearing socks!
They all have the added bonus of keeping your vehicle safe and secure, so it’s a win-win! Another reason to spread more festive cheer!
THE PERFECT PRESENTS
With the economy dropping faster than needles on an unwatered Christmas tree, we’ve recognise that people are looking to make their money go even further this year.
We’ve checked the nice list and taken a look in our Infiniti sack to find three products that would make fantastic gifts to give loved ones this holiday season, and they’re all under £200! Starting with..
One of the latest products from the SmarTrack stable of trackers is their RECO S7 model. It’s a fantastic tracker for the money and is aimed squarely at the hot-hatch market, although it works just as well for anyone looking to protect their own sleigh. If you have a caravan, then it’s perfect for that too.
Giving this as a gift is fantastic as it comes with a one year monitoring subscription included, so your (or their) vehicle is fully protected the second our team installs it for you.
As you would expect, the RECO S7 comes with all the alerts and notifications you would expect, including battery disconnection and low battery warnings. It’s also fully transferable from one vehicle to another.
Another brilliant tracker for under £200 is the Monitor from leading security firm Tracker. Thanks to its military-grade patented UHF (Ultra High Frequency) technology you get protection from signal jammers, a feature often only found on much more expensive models.
The technology within the Monitor also gives you peace of mind that your vehicle can be quickly recovered, even if it’s stored in shipping containers, underground car parks or lock-ups.
Tracker have been manufacturing car security systems for over 25 years, so you can be assured that any product they put their name to is going to be high quality at a relatively low cost.
Not a tracker but just as useful for the petrol head in your life, especially with the dangerous road conditions that winter can bring (and the idiots you get all year round).
This fantastic dashboard camera (or dash cam as they’re known) from Thinkware sits against your windscreen and can record the road ahead, whether that’s the traffic, pedestrians or other road users. It records in full HD at 1080p, even when you’re parking, and comes with CMOS image sensors that give you a constant video recording that looks great, even at night.
It also comes with a 140-degree viewing angle to minimise blind spots. You can easily watch any incidents by downloading them to your computer using the intuitive software through its viewing interface.
UK WIDE INSTALLATION
⚬ We don’t cover Lapland or the North Pole but if you’re in the UK you can get your device, regardless of how much you spend, installed at your home or work within days of purchase.
⚬ Give the gift of security this holiday season.
⚬ Spread the cost of your device into 3 equal payments by using PayPal at checkout.
Christmas comes but once a year, but theft can happen anytime. Get your vehicle secured and make sure you have a happy, healthy and safe Yuletide. In the run up to Christmas, our team of helpful elves is available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 to help you stay on the nice list.
