GPS

Here at Infiniti, we understand that vehicle theft remains a significant concern for our customers, vehicle owners in general and insurers alike.

In response to this, Thatcham-approved tracking systems, particularly those classified under categories S5 and S7 like those in our store, have become essential tools in combating this issue all across the UK.

These advanced tracking solutions not only deter theft but also significantly enhance the chances of recovering our customers’ stolen vehicles swiftly.

Understanding Thatcham-Approved Tracking Systems

For those of you unfamiliar with them, Thatcham Research are a UK-based automotive research centre that sets the stringent standards for vehicle security systems.

Their approval signifies that a tracking device meets the highest benchmarks for performance and reliability. The S5 and S7 categories you’ll see in our store on various systems and across the marketplace generally represent different levels of security features tailored to various vehicle types and owner requirements.

How Do Tracking Systems Aid in Stolen Vehicle Recovery?

When a vehicle equipped with a Thatcham-approved tracker is stolen, the whole system springs into action to help you, starting with….

1. Immediate Alert: The tracking device detects any unauthorised movement or tampering and sends an instant alert to the monitoring centre and the vehicle owner via their dedicated smartphone app.
   
2. Real-Time Location Tracking: Utilising a mixture of GPS, GSM, GLONASS, MESH and / or VHF (Very High Frequency) technology (depending on the device), the system provides precise, real-time location data of the stolen vehicle.
   
3. Collaboration with Authorities: The now-active monitoring centre liaises directly with the Police, supplying them with the vehicle’s real-time location details to facilitate a swift recovery.

This seamless process ensures that stolen vehicles are often recovered within hours, minimising potential damage and loss.

S5 vs. S7 Trackers: Key Differences

While both S5 and S7 trackers are Thatcham-approved, they often cater to different security needs;

• S5 Trackers:
  • Driver Identification: Equipped with Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR), these systems require a driver identification tag or app. If the vehicle is moved without the authorised tag being present, an alert is triggered, effectively preventing keyless theft and relay attacks.
    
  • Advanced Tracking Technology: Utilise a combination of GPS, GSM, and VHF signals to ensure precise location tracking, even in challenging environments like underground parking lots or shipping containers.
    
  • High Recovery Rate: Data indicates that S5 trackers boast a recovery success rate exceeding 96% at least according to market-inspector.co.uk
    
• S7 Trackers:
  • Real-Time Tracking: Provide real-time GPS tracking and 24/7 monitoring, allowing owners to view their vehicle’s location via a mobile app.
    
  • Movement Alerts: Feature motion sensors that trigger alerts if the vehicle is moved without authorisation, such as being towed.
    
  • Cost-Effective Solution: While lacking a number of driver identification features, S7 trackers offer reliable security at a more affordable price point compared to S5 systems.

Real-World Examples and Statistics

The effectiveness of Thatcham-approved tracking systems is evident in numerous real-world scenarios:

• Rapid Recovery Instances: There have been cases where vehicles equipped with Thatcham-approved trackers were recovered in as little as 8 minutes after theft as per drive.teletracnavman.co.uk
  
• High Recovery Rates: Trackers with Thatcham approval have demonstrated recovery rates of over 96%, underscoring their effectiveness in vehicle retrieval according to rewiresecurity.co.uk

These statistics highlight the critical role that S5 and S7 trackers play in not only deterring theft but also ensuring the swift return of stolen vehicles.

Benefits Beyond Recovery

Buying a tracker and installing a Thatcham-approved tracking system through Infiniti offers advantages beyond theft recovery.

Whilst we offer a huge range of systems to suit every circumstance and budget, our UK-wide installation and exceptional customer service offers our customers so much more. Buying a tracking device through us, also gives you:

• Insurance Premium Reduction: Many insurers recognise the added security of these systems and may offer reduced premiums to vehicle owners who have them installed.
  
• Peace of Mind: Owners gain confidence knowing their vehicle is under constant surveillance, with immediate alerts in case of unauthorised movement.
  
• Enhanced Vehicle Value: For high-value and high-performance vehicles, having an S5 tracker can be particularly beneficial, as these vehicles are often targeted by thieves.

In an era where vehicle theft remains a persistent threat, Thatcham-approved tracking systems, particularly those in the S5 (inc. S5+) and S7 categories, provide an effective solution.

By offering real-time tracking, immediate alerts and collaboration with the Police, these systems significantly increase the likelihood of recovering stolen vehicles swiftly.

Investing in such technology not only protects your asset but also offers peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most effective theft deterrent systems available today.

If you need any help in choosing the best Thatcham-approved tracker for you, please give our dedicated Customer Service team a ring on 0330 043 3993. We’re available Monday – Friday (9am – 6pm) to help you find the perfect system to secure your car, van, motorhome or bike. Don’t forget, we also offer UK-wide installation so our engineers can come to your home or office to fit it at a time and place to suit you.

Imagine waking up to find your car missing. Panic sets in as you realise it’s been stolen. It’s a truly awful feeling and one I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

In the UK, vehicle theft is a persistent issue, but modern technology offers a powerful solution, namely stolen vehicle tracking systems. I believe this whole-heartedly and it’s the reason Infiniti Tracking exists.

These systems, like many of those in our store, not only increase the likelihood of recovering a stolen car but also provide peace of mind to car owners, but how? What’s behind those plastic boxes that makes them so effective?

I thought it would be interested to share some of their technological secrets so here’s everything you need to know about trackers, how they work and their benefits to you, our customers!

The Basics: What is a Stolen Vehicle Tracking System?

At the base level, a stolen vehicle tracking system, aka a tracker, is a device installed in your car that uses either GPS (Global Positioning System), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or RF (Radio Frequency) technologies (plus others in combination) to pinpoint its location.

These devices are linked to a monitoring service or Police network, allowing authorities to locate and recover stolen vehicles more efficiently.

How Does the Technology Work?

GPS Tracking

GPS technology uses a series of satellites to triangulate the position of your car, bike, motorhome or van, basically any vehicle the device is fitted to. The tracking device installed in the vehicle transmits its location data in real-time or at regular intervals.

The advantages to this are that it offers highly accurate location tracking which works globally, regardless of the vehicle’s location. It also offers integration with smartphone apps to give user access to that location data.

For any technology, there are also limitations. Most of these technologies do require a clear signal to the satellites, so it may not work well in underground parking or tunnels (unless the device utilises UHF – Ultra-High Frequency).

GSM Tracking – GSM-based systems use the mobile network signals to locate the vehicle. If GPS signals are unavailable, GSM can serve as a backup by identifying the nearest mobile towers, just as mobile phones do (although that technology is gradually being phased out).

Radio Frequency (RF) Tracking – Whilst in some ways it’s more old-school, RF tracking uses radio waves to locate a vehicle. This method is particularly useful in situations where GPS or GSM signals fail, such as in dense urban areas or garages.

RF like UHF can be effective in challenging environments and can be difficult for thieves to block but they do require specialised receivers for tracking.

Active vs. Passive Tracking Systems

Active trackers provide real-time location updates by transmitting data continuously, making them ideal for theft recovery and fleet management, though they require a subscription and network connectivity.

In contrast, passive trackers record location and driving data for later retrieval, offering a cost-effective solution for long-term analysis without ongoing fees.

While active trackers excel in immediate response scenarios, passive trackers are better suited for reviewing historical data, such as mileage or driver performance. Data is recorded and stored on the device, which can be retrieved later.

Passive systems are less suitable for theft recovery but are often used for fleet management or monitoring driving habits.

The choice depends on whether you need instant updates or can manage with post-event analysis.

Features of Advanced Vehicle Tracking Systems

Modern tracking systems go beyond basic location tracking, offering features like:

1. Geo-Fencing: Alerts you if the car leaves a predefined area.
2. Tamper Alerts: Notifications if someone tries to disable the device.
3. Remote Immobilisation: Enables the Police to disable the car remotely, preventing further movement (available on S5+ models)
4. Journey History: Records and stores routes for review.
5. Battery Backup: Ensures the device remains operational even if the vehicle’s power is cut.

Benefits for UK Car Owners

For all the technological advances trackers offer under the hood, the real benefit comes to the end user, the people who are smart enough to have them installed in their vehicles. These include:

1. Higher Recovery Rates

According to UK law enforcement statistics, vehicles equipped with tracking systems are significantly more likely to be recovered than those without. GPS and RF technology allow police to pinpoint a stolen car’s location quickly, often recovering it before thieves can dismantle or resell it.

2. Lower Insurance Premiums

Many insurers offer discounts to car owners who install tracking systems. These devices reduce the financial risk for insurers, as they improve the likelihood of vehicle recovery.

3. Deterrence Against Theft

The presence of a visible or known tracking system can deter potential thieves. Many systems come with window stickers to warn would-be criminals that the car is protected.

4. Peace of Mind

Knowing your vehicle is equipped with a tracking system provides reassurance, especially for those with high-value cars or living in theft-prone areas.

5. Fleet Management for Businesses

For businesses with multiple vehicles, tracking systems offer additional benefits like monitoring driver behavior, optimising routes and ensuring efficient use of resources.

Choosing the Right System

With so many options available, how do you choose the right stolen vehicle tracking system for your needs? It’s a good question and one we get asked regularly but the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.

There are a number of considerations and these differ from person to person.

1. Consider Your Location: If you live in a rural area with poor GSM coverage, opt for a system with strong GPS and RF capabilities.
2. Evaluate Your Budget: Systems range from quite basic to incredibly advanced, so choose one that balances cost and features.
3. Check Compatibility: Ensure the device is compatible with your vehicle make and model.
4. Look for Accreditation: In the UK, look for Thatcham-approved devices. These meet stringent standards for security and effectiveness. You can see our range of S5 and S7 trackers that meet that standard.
5. Read Reviews: Customer reviews and expert opinions can provide insights into reliability and ease of use so please check out out Google reviews, there are over 100 5-star reviews of which we’ve very proud.

Installation and Maintenance

Most tracking systems require professional installation to ensure they are hidden and tamper-proof. Maintenance is minimal, but it’s essential to:

• Test the system regularly.
• Update software if applicable.
• Replace batteries when needed.

Don’t forget, we can install your car tracker anywhere in the UK at a time and place to suit you.

Legal Considerations

While stolen vehicle tracking systems are legal in the UK, there are a few points to keep in mind:

1. Privacy: Inform anyone who drives your car that a tracking system is installed.
2. Consent: For fleet vehicles, employees should consent to being tracked during work hours.
3. Data Protection: Ensure the tracking provider complies with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

The Future of Vehicle Tracking

Trackers, like everything else, evolves. Advancements in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are shaping the future of vehicle tracking.

Upcoming innovations include predictive analytics to detect suspicious behaviour, integration with smart home systems and enhanced user interfaces for seamless control.

Additionally, electric and autonomous vehicles are likely to feature built-in tracking systems as standard, further enhancing security measures but as they get smarter, so do the thieves.

For all these advances, stolen vehicle tracking systems offer a robust solution to car theft, combining advanced technology with practical benefits for car owners. Whether you’re safeguarding your personal vehicle or managing a fleet, investing in a reliable tracking system can save time, money and stress in the long run.

Take the first step today, explore your options and equip your car with a system that ensures its safety and your peace of mind. Please give our team a ring on 0330 043 3993 Monday – Friday (9am – 6pm) to discuss what works for you and let’s get you and your vehicle secure!

In the ever-evolving landscape of vehicle security, one term that has gained prominence, especially here in the UK, is the Thatcham Tracker.

As car theft continues to be a prevalent concern, drivers increasingly turn to advanced security measures to protect their vehicles.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Thatcham Trackers, exploring what they are, how they work and why they have become a vital component in the car security market.

The Rise of Car Theft in the UK

Car theft remains a significant issue across the United Kingdom and in many places around the world, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated methods to bypass traditional security measures.

The need for robust, intelligent solutions to counteract these threats has never been more critical. Recognising this, the Thatcham Research Centre, a leading authority on vehicle safety and security, first introduced the Thatcham Tracker system in the 1970s.

What is Thatcham Tracker?

Fast forward to today, a Thatcham-approved tracker has become a sophisticated vehicle tracking and recovery system designed to enhance car security. Thatcham Research, an independent organisation established by the UK insurance industry, sets the standards for vehicle security, among other things.

Thatcham Trackers, therefore, adhere to a set of stringent criteria to ensure their effectiveness in deterring theft and aiding in the recovery of stolen vehicles.

How Thatcham Trackers Work

Most Thatcham trackers operate on a combination of GPS (Global Positioning System) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technology, whilst others also incorporate VHF, GLONASS and MESH.

The GPS component allows for accurate location tracking, while the GSM technology enables communication between the tracker and a monitoring centre. This real-time connectivity ensures that the vehicle’s location is constantly updated and can be monitored remotely, either by the user or a dedicated control centre operated by tracking system manufacturers.

In the event of a theft, the Thatcham Tracker becomes an invaluable tool for recovery.

Once the theft is reported to the monitoring centre, they can track the vehicle’s movements and liaise with the Police to facilitate a swift recovery. The speed and accuracy of Thatcham Trackers make them a formidable deterrent against thieves.

Thatcham Tracker Categories

Thatcham Research categorises vehicle tracking systems into various classes, each denoting a specific level of security and functionality.

Whilst the designations have changed over the years, and continue to evolve, the current categories are as follows:

1. Thatcham Category S7: This category covers basic vehicle tracking systems with GPS functionality. While providing location tracking, they may lack additional features found in higher categories.
2. Thatcham Category S5: These trackers offer enhanced security features, including motion sensing and automatic driver recognition. They are often equipped with smartphone apps for remote monitoring and control.
3. Thatcham Category S5 Plus: The highest level of tracking system, S5 Plus includes all the features of the S5 but with the added capability of remote engine immobilisation. This feature allows the monitoring centre to prevent the vehicle from even starting, increasing the chances of recovery.

Why Thatcham Trackers Matter

1. Insurance Approval: Many insurance providers in the UK require vehicles to have Thatcham-approved security systems for coverage. Installing a Thatcham Tracker can lead to lower insurance premiums as it significantly reduces the risk of theft and aids in quick recovery.
2. Proactive Security Measures: Thatcham Trackers offer more than just location tracking. With features like automatic driver recognition and remote engine immobilisation, they actively deter thieves and protect vehicles even when the owner is not present.
3. Quick Recovery: In the unfortunate event of a theft, the real-time tracking capabilities of Thatcham Trackers greatly enhance the chances of a swift recovery. This not only minimises the financial loss for the owner but also aids law enforcement in apprehending criminals.

Choosing the Right Thatcham Tracker

Selecting the right Thatcham Tracker for your vehicle involves considering factors such as:

⚬ Your budget

⚬ The level of security required, and

⚬ Any additional features that may be beneficial.

Consulting with an experienced car security professional like the team here at Infiniti can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

In the face of rising car theft rates, the Thatcham Tracker has emerged as a powerful ally for vehicle owners in the UK.

Combining cutting-edge technology with stringent security standards, the Thatcham trackers we sell all offer a comprehensive solution to the ever-present threat of theft. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, investing in a Thatcham Tracker is a proactive step toward safeguarding your vehicle and ensuring peace of mind on the road.

If you want to protect your car, bike, truck or motorhome, we have a tracking system that will be perfect for you. To find out more please call our team who are available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 and we’d be delighted to help.

We all love spending time at home, but for those with a campervan, the whole world can become your living room. In recent years, the sales of motorhomes have consistently increased. In fact, according to the National Caravan Council (NCC), motorhomes and campervans are being sold in record numbers across the UK.

In the latest figures released by the DVLA, 16,608 new motorhomes were registered between July 2020 and July 2021. This represents an 8.25% increase from the previous year, which was also a record at the time. As a population, we now spend around £1.15 BILLION on motorhomes, caravans and campers in the UK alone every year. It’s clear that we’re staycationing more than ever and whilst that’s a positive thing for us, it’s also an increased market for those looking to steal them.

If you’ve just bought your first motorhome, upgraded to a newer model or simply looking to take your first step on the journey to having your holidays on wheels, then we’re going to look at some of the best ways to secure your motorhome for every budget.

MOBILE SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

It’s important to remember that, unlike most other vehicle security, the contents of your motorhome will be much greater than with a car or bike. If the vehicle does get stolen, it’s likely that almost all of your possessions at the time will go along with it, so you need a robust security solution for when you’re away AND when it’s stored at home.

Many thefts that occur with motorhomes and caravans are often split into two categories; entire vehicle theft when the vehicle itself is stolen in its entirety and secondly, the theft of possessions from the vehicle itself.

Generally speaking the former is carried out by professional thieves, whilst the latter tends to be more opportunistic. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered on both ranging from high tech to old school, but all designed to help you secure your motorhome no matter where it is.

HOW TO SECURE YOUR VEHICLE

It’s easy to forget, especially in these days of cutting edge technology, that many of the most effective ways to keep your motorhome secure is with a physical deterrent. They might seem like devices from a different era, but they are relatively cheap and work very well. They can come in the form of a steering wheel lock, wheel clamp, seat chain or pedal locks.

Any (or all) of these physical locks offer additional security to your motorhome. Whilst none of them will offer 100% total security, no system will offer that, they do all provide a visual deterrent to thieves.

To anyone looking to steal a vehicle, any physical lock means that the vehicle will take longer to steal. Added time means they’re more likely to be spotted (or caught) so use them regularly and advertise on the vehicle that they’re fitted. Any of those devices listed means any would-be thief might think twice before trying to make off with your vehicle. 

MOTORHOME SECURITY WITH A VEHICLE TRACKER

If you’re looking for something a little more high-tech, then a car tracker might be exactly what you need. We stock a fantastic range of trackers designed specifically for motorhomes, as well as some that work incredibly well, no matter what vehicle you have.

One of the most popular features with motorhome owners is the ‘lifetime subscription’ feature that comes with Phantom’s iTrack S5 and Ultimate models, the S5 Motorhome Defender, S5+ (with Immobilisation) and S7 ALS trackers from ScorpionTrack, aswell as the fantastic systems from SmarTrack including the Motorhome Protector and Trident.

All of these systems offer all the features you would expect, including access to  24/7 call centres, a dedicated smartphone app and a raft of alarms and notifications to keep you fully informed about the status of your vehicle.

In addition, some of these systems, like the S5+ with immobilisation and even the Meta Trak Deadlock have a very useful feature called ‘No Tag, No Start’. This basically means that if the small ADR tag that comes with these systems is not within range, the vehicle will not start. In addition, with those trackers, the 24/7 control centre can also immobilise the vehicle remotely should it need to giving you complete peace-of-mind.

The vast range of trackers offered at Infiniti Tracking allow you to:

⚬ Easily transfer your tracker from one vehicle to another.

⚬ Buy a lifetime subscription model that lasts for the life of the vehicle.

⚬ Protect your motorhome anywhere in the world and have it installed for you anywhere in the UK.

Whether you’re rocking a 20-year old caravan or a luxury motorhome with all the amenities of home, you’ll want to keep it secure. Infiniti have been working in this ever-changing, demanding industry for over 20 years so we can help you navigate the market to find you the very best tracker for your vehicle, your budget and your personal circumstances. Our friendly team are available to you for help, advice and sales from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 so just ask!

It’s fair to say, no matter what aspect of life you’re looking at, the technology we use every day has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. This is especially true when it comes to car security.

Whilst the old-school security measures of steering wheel locks, gearstick brackets or wheel boots were once de-rigour for every motorist wanting to protect their vehicle, the high-tech world we live in means that they simply aren’t enough on their own anymore against a determined car thief.

The most up-to-date cars possess technology that enhances the driving experience that would seem like witchcraft just a couple of decades ago. With every ground-breaking automotive advancement we make, the cat-and-mouse nature of security means that there’s always a workaround or loophole they can exploit.

Nothing exemplifies this more than the car tracker.

HOW TRACKING SIGNALS WORK

Vehicle trackers, like every other product on the market, come with a variety of features that their manufacturer hopes will make their product stand out in an ever-more crowded marketplace. Dedicated smartphone apps, control centre support and notifications are commonplace but they also share the need for a signal/connection to make these features a reality.

Depending on which tracking system you buy, it will be able to operate using one, or more, frequencies to help triangulate its position, by working out how long the signal takes to be sent,  received and returned by different satellites in orbit above the Earth.

WHAT FREQUENCIES ARE UTILISED

Across the range of vehicle trackers we sell here at Infiniti, if you look at the specifications of many of them, you’ll see that all of them will use GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS is just one frequency on which their signal is broadcast. Think of it as the baseline.

All GPS satellites broadcast on at least two carrier frequencies. These are ‘L1’ which operates at 1575.42 MHz and ‘L2’ at 1227.6 MHz. It’s also worth noting that newer GPS satellites also broadcast on L5 at 1176 MHz. Unfortunately, these frequencies can be blocked with the right equipment.

Ideally, you want a tracker that doesn’t just rely on one signal, but instead can harness the power, and therefore reliability and accuracy, of multiple networks. Even if one if blocked, the others will still work.

These can include GLONASS, Galileo, LBS, GSM and VHF. All of which can, given the right tools, still be blocked, with the exception of the final one; VHF or Very High Frequency. The reason it can’t be blocked is simply that it’s undetectable. It’s for that reason it’s the signal chosen by military operations across the world.

WHAT DOES INSURANCE-APPROVED MEAN?

If, as part of your car insurance policy, the company has asked for the vehicle in question to have an ‘insurance approved’ tracking system installed, then it can be confusing as to what this actually means. In reality, it often means that the tracker they require installing needs to detect any tampering.

This is often standard and can easily be measured thanks to its dedicated smartphone app. This will help monitor and alert you to any attempts to tamper with the vehicle. Whilst the reality is that GPS or GSM signals can be blocked, devices like the Protect and Connect S5 from Vodafone Automotive or the S5+ and Locate systems from Tracker can alert you when there is an attempt to block those signals.

With every system sold by Infiniti Tracking you will:

⚬ Find professional, courteous help and advice to find the right tracking for you.

⚬ Be sure to have your device fitted wherever you are in the UK by our team of dedicated trained engineers.

⚬ Get peace of mind that you’re dealing with experts in the industry.

Whilst the sheer range of products on offer can be daunting, we are here to help you find the right system for you. We know how much you value your car and we respect that it can be daunting to find the right one, so our team are available to you from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 to help, so just ask!