I’m sure you don’t need us to tell you, but car crime remains a persistent issue across the UK, with Essex in the south-west of the country being no exception.
The region’s proximity to London, its extensive road networks, and a mix of urban and rural landscapes create unique challenges for the car owners and the Police alike.
Vehicle theft and associated crimes are not only costly, but also incredibly distressing for victims, highlighting the need for robust security measures and community vigilance.
With hotspots continuing to emerge in densely populated or economically active areas, understanding the latest trends and implementing preventative strategies has never been more important to counter the scourge of car theft.
If you live or work in and around Essex, then it’s time to take control of your vehicle security and we’re here to help.
The Only Way (To Car Security) Is Essex
If you look at the country as a whole, Essex has seen a mixed picture regarding car crime, with hotspots persisting despite efforts by law enforcement.
Latest figures highlight a concentration of vehicle-related offences in areas like West Thurrock (those with RM20 and RM19 postcodes), Romford, Basildon and Southend-on-Sea, where crime rates reach up to 581 incidents per 10,000 vehicles.
These areas face a blend of theft from vehicles and outright car thefts, with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz being frequent targets
Conversely, northern Essex areas such as Frinton-on-Sea and Saffron Walden remain among the safest, with crime rates as low as 40 per 10,000 vehicles
Overall, Essex ranks among the higher-risk counties for vehicle crime, with a rate of 7.2 per 1,000 people in 2024 (year to date).
Efforts by Essex Police, particularly focusing on organised crime, have contributed to a 9.1% reduction in vehicle crime over the past year.
This includes initiatives like targeting so-called ‘chop shops’ (i.e. illegal garages that dismantle stolen vehicles for parts) and improving vehicle recovery systems like many of those we sell in our store.
Thankfully October 2024 saw a notable 14.3% decline in car crime compared to the previous year, but there are still plenty of things you can do to protect yourself.
How to Protect Yourself
Naturally, we don’t want you to be a victim of car crime of any kind, so we wanted to offer some practical tips on how to protect yourself and your precious car, motorbike, van or motorhome.
- Lock It Up – Always lock your vehicle and double-check before leaving, even if you’re stepping away briefly. It’s easy to take it for granted if your car locks automatically when walking away, so please be sure it’s secure before leaving the area.
- Safeguard Your Keys: Use signal-blocking (aka Faraday) pouches or boxes for keyless entry systems to thwart relay attacks. Store your keys away from windows and doors to prevent the risk of a relay attack.
- Remove Temptations: It might sound obvious but many thefts from cars aren’t planned in advance, so keep valuables out of sight to deter those opportunistic thieves.
- Park Securely: When leaving your car parked for any period of time, always use well-lit, busy areas or secure garages where possible to deter thieves who prefer dark, quiet areas where the chance of being caught is minimised.
- Physical Deterrents: Consider steering wheel locks, immobilisers, or parking posts to make theft more difficult. Any visual deterrent will increase the time it takes to steal a car so thieves will think twice about a car with visual protection.
Enhanced Security Measures
Whilst these practical tips can help everyone, not everyone is the same. Car security often requires us to go above and beyond the practical and employ some more cutting-edge technologies to keep our vehicles safe.
- Vehicle Trackers – It probably won’t come as a great shock that we recommend the installation of a car tracker but installing a GPS-based vehicle tracker allows recovery teams and police to locate stolen cars quickly. You can check out our entire range here. We have car trackers to suit every vehicle, every budget and every circumstance from the top of the range S5 and S5+ trackers to the more budget friendly S7 systems.
- Dash Cameras: Dashboard cameras are increasingly a must-have accessory for every driver. Using the latest technology with a range of cutting-edge features, our dashcams record your journeys to pick up footage of traffic accidents as well as theft and vandalism. See our full range here.
- Immobiliser: If you’re not looking to buy an S5+ tracker that comes with immobilisation, you can check out our range of stand-alone immobilisers, which are a great solution to securing your vehicle. Immobilisers can be an alternative to a tracking system, offering a highly-effective way of guarding your vehicle against modern theft methods, such as key cloning, relay theft and OBD hacking.
Moving Forward
While hotspots persist in Essex, as they do across the UK, a combined approach of individual security upgrades, community action and police operations is making areas like these increasingly inhospitable for vehicle criminals and that can’t be a bad thing.
By adopting preventive measures like these and staying vigilant, we can can contribute to the ongoing reduction in vehicle crime no matter where you live.
Whether you live in Essex or not, we can help keep your vehicle secure. Just give our dedicated customer service team a ring on 0330 043 3993, we’re available Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm to give you all the help and advice you might need when it comes find the best tracker, dash cam or immobiliser for you. Don’t forget installation is available UK-wide at a time and place to suit you.
When it comes to safeguarding your Mercedes, a top-tier car tracker is an obvious and essential investment.
With ever-advanced technology, there are many trackers you can choose (many of which are available in our store) to provide real-time location monitoring, theft alerts and a range of other features designed to keep your vehicle secure. But which are the best? Which are the three trackers we’d recommend to Mercedes owners that perfectly balance the most effective security at a great price.
If you’re looking for the right tracker, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this blog, we’ll explore three of the best car trackers available for Mercedes owners: namely the S5 VTS and S7 ALS, both from ScorpionTrack and the Meta Trak S5 VTS.
Each of these devices offers unique features and benefits that cater to the different needs and preferences of even the most discerning Mercedes lover. Let’s start with:
1. ScorpionTrack S5 VTS
There’s little doubt that the ScorpionTrack S5 VTS is a premier car tracking system that combines sophisticated technology with user-friendly features.
It’s been designed to offer maximum security and provide real-time tracking and a range of other functionalities. Its key features include:
- GPS & GSM Tracking
The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS uses a combination of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and GSM technology to provide precise and reliable location tracking. This multi-pronged system ensures that your Mercedes can be located even in areas with poor GPS signals, such as underground car parks or remote locations.
- Driver Recognition System
One of the standout features of the ScorpionTrack S5 VTS is its driver recognition system. This system uses an encrypted key fob to authenticate the driver. If the vehicle is moved without the presence of the key fob, an alert is immediately sent to the owner and the monitoring centre, triggering an investigation.
- 24/7 Monitoring and Alerts
The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS offers round-the-clock monitoring by a professional security team. In case of suspicious activity, such as unauthorised movement or tampering, instant alerts are sent via SMS, email or push notification on its dedicated app. This ensures that any potential theft is addressed as quickly as possible.
The mobile app and web portal are both intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to monitor your vehicle.
- Journey History and Reporting
The system maintains a detailed log of your vehicle’s journeys, including start and stop times, routes taken and mileage. Detailed journey logs provide valuable insights and can be used for various purposes.
This feature is particularly useful for personal tracking purposes, but if you work in fleet management, then you’re going to love it.
- European Coverage
For those who travel across Europe, the ScorpionTrack S5 VTS provides extensive coverage, ensuring that your vehicle is protected no matter where you go.
2. ScorpionTrack S7 ALS
The ScorpionTrack S7 ALS is another excellent option for Mercedes owners, offering another incredible balance of advanced features and affordability. Whilst it doesn’t have the same specifications as its big brother above, it is still designed to provide reliable tracking and security without breaking the bank.
- Real-Time Tracking
Like the S5 VTS, the ScorpionTrack S7 ALS offers real-time tracking using GPS, GLONASS, Galileo & GSM technology. This ensures that you always know the exact location of your Mercedes.
- Tamper Alerts
The system is equipped with sensors that detect tampering attempts. If someone tries to disable the tracker or interferes with the vehicle, an alert is immediately sent to the owner and the monitoring centre.
- Geofencing
Geofencing allows you to set virtual boundaries for your vehicle. If your Mercedes leaves or enters a predefined area, you will receive an instant alert. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring your vehicle’s movement and ensuring it stays within designated zones.
- Speed Alerts
The ScorpionTrack S7 ALS can be configured to send alerts if your vehicle exceeds a certain speed. This feature is beneficial for monitoring driving behaviour, especially if multiple drivers use the car.
- Mobile App and Web Portal
The system also includes a dedicated, user-friendly mobile app and web portal, allowing you to track your vehicle and manage settings from anywhere. The interface is designed for ease of use, making it accessible to all users, as it’s the same one used for the S5 above.
3. Meta Trak S5 VTS
Last but by no means least is the Meta Trak S5 VTS. Without a doubt, this is a high-end car tracker that combines state-of-the-art technology with comprehensive security features. It is designed for Mercedes owners who want the best protection and monitoring capabilities. Let me explain why:
- Thatcham S5 Approved
The Meta Trak S5 VTS meets the stringent requirements of Thatcham’s S5 standard, ensuring it provides top-level security. This approval is recognized by insurance companies and can help reduce premiums.
Thatcham S5 approval and accreditation tells you it offers unparalleled protection to any car owner.
- Automatic Driver Recognition
Similar to the ScorpionTrack S5 VTS, the Meta Trak S5 VTS uses an encrypted key fob for driver recognition. Unauthorised movement of the vehicle triggers an alert, providing an additional layer of security.
- 24/7 Control Room Monitoring
The Meta Trak S5 VTS offers continuous monitoring by a professionally, fully manned control room.
In the event of suspicious activity, the control room can take immediate action, including contacting the police if necessary. Continuous, day and night monitoring ensures that any suspicious activity is addressed promptly.
- Journey and Event Logging
The system logs all journeys and significant events, providing detailed reports that can be accessed via the mobile app or web portal. This feature is useful for keeping track of vehicle usage and detecting any irregularities.
Whilst features like these can often be overlooked when looking for a tracker, comprehensive journey and event logs will provide you with valuable insights and can even aid in vehicle recovery.
Choosing the Right Tracker for Your Mercedes
Whilst these three are some of the best, they’re not the only ones. You can find some other trackers ideally suited to a Mercedes by clicking here but almost all of the ones we sell offer fantastic features and value.
Regardless of which one you choose, when selecting a car tracker for your Mercedes, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Here are a few factors to bear in mind:
- Budget: The ScorpionTrack S7 ALS offers excellent features at a more affordable price, making it a great choice for those on a budget. The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS and Meta Trak S5 VTS are more expensive but offer additional security features and monitoring capabilities.
- Security Requirements: If you prioritise maximum security, the Meta Trak S5 VTS with its Thatcham S5 approval and remote immobilisation feature is an excellent option. The ScorpionTrack S5 VTS also provides robust security with its driver recognition system and 24/7 monitoring.
- Additional Features: Consider what additional features are important to you. For example, if you want detailed journey logs and customisable alerts, both the ScorpionTrack S5 VTS and S7 ALS offer these functionalities in abundance.
- Ease of Use: All three trackers we’ve listed here provide user-friendly mobile apps and web portals, but you might prefer the interface of one over the others. It’s worth exploring the demo versions of these apps if available.
Investing in a high-quality car tracker is a smart move for any Mercedes owner (and car owners in general).
Whether you choose ScorpionTrack’s S5 VTS or their S7 ALS or opt for the Meta Trak S5 VTS, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is well-protected.
Each of these trackers offers a unique set of features and benefits, ensuring that you can find the perfect solution to meet your security and budgetary needs.
If you’re still undecided or unsure about which one best suits your car, whether it’s a Mercedes or not, call our dedicated on 0330 043 3993 between 9 am and 6 pm, Mon – Fri and we’ll be more than happy to assist you. We also offer UK-wide installation at a time, date and place to suit you! Don’t let choosing the right tracker drive you around the Benz, we’re here to help 😉
