keyless entry

Car crime, encompassing vehicle theft and other related offences, is a pressing concern for urban areas worldwide, and Glasgow is no exception.

We’ve touched on car crime hotspots previously (including Manchester and London) but never touched upon car crime north of the border in our home city of Glasgow.

With its rich industrial history and vibrant culture, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city (but not capital) and a significant economic hub. However, like many metropolitan areas, it faces challenges with car crime.

This blog delves into the current state of car crime in Glasgow, examines the latest statistics, explores methods used by thieves, and discusses measures YOU can take to prevent vehicle theft.

Latest Statistics on Car Crime in Scotland and Glasgow

To understand the scale and impact of car crime, it is essential to look at the latest available statistics.

According to the Scottish Government’s “Recorded Crime in Scotland” report, there were 7005 recorded vehicle-related thefts in Scotland in the year ending March 2023.

This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year, indicating some progress in combating car crime. That said, if you’re one of the thousands of people who fall victim to car thieves every year, it’s not much consolation.

Glasgow, as Scotland’s largest city, naturally accounts for a significant portion of these incidents.

Police Scotland’s data shows that Glasgow reported 1,540 vehicle thefts during the same period. This makes up approximately 22% of the total vehicle-related thefts in Scotland, highlighting the city’s prominence in this area of crime.

The hottest of crime hot spots are the Canal ward incorporating the Port Dundas area of Glasgow which saw 277 car crimes recorded in the last five years to date – an average of over 55 a year.

The Canal ward covers the area to the north of the city from Sighthill Park to Cadder and includes areas like Ruchill, Lambhill, Possilpark, Milton and Parkhouse. Incidentally, if you live around the Clydebank Waterfront or East Kilbride, you’re in the safest area, but even those aren’t immune.

While the overall trend in Scotland shows a marginal decline, Glasgow’s figures indicate a need for ongoing vigilance and targeted efforts to curb these offences and that’s where we come in.

Methods Thieves Use to Steal Cars

Understanding how car thieves operate is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Here are some of the most common methods used by criminals to steal vehicles. These are the most commonly used:

1. Keyless Car Theft (Relay Attacks): Most modern vehicles with keyless entry systems are increasingly targeted by thieves using relay attacks. Criminals use devices to capture the signal from the car owner’s key fob inside their home and relay it to the car, tricking it into unlocking and starting. This method can be executed in under a minute, making it a preferred choice for increasingly tech-savvy thieves.
   
2. OBD Port Hacking: The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, another standard feature in modern vehicles, can be exploited by thieves to reprogram a blank key fob. Using specialised equipment, they access the car’s computer system via the OBD port and create a new key, allowing them to drive away with the vehicle.
   
3. Smash and Grab: A more traditional and low-tech method involves simply breaking a car window to gain entry. Once inside, thieves either hot-wire the ignition or use other means to start the vehicle. This method is less sophisticated but still prevalent, particularly for older car models without advanced security features.
   
4. Signal Jamming: Some thieves use signal jammers to block the signal from a car’s key fob, preventing it from locking. The owner may walk away, thinking the car is secured, while the thief hanging around nearby gains easy access.
   
5. Tow-Away Theft: In some cases, thieves simply tow the vehicle away to a different location where they can work on disabling security systems without the risk of being caught in the act in the middle of a busy city.

Effective Measures to Prevent Car Theft

Preventing car theft requires a combination of awareness, technology and proactive measures. Here are several strategies that can help protect your vehicles from being stolen and becoming another statistic.

1. Secure Your Key Fob: To combat relay attacks, store your key fob in a Faraday pouch, which blocks the signal and prevents thieves from capturing it. Additionally, keeping key fobs away from doors and windows can reduce the risk of signal interception.
   
2. Use Physical Barriers: Physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks, gearstick locks, and wheel clamps can make it more challenging for thieves to drive away with your car. While they may not prevent theft entirely, they add an extra layer of security that can deter opportunistic criminals.
   
3. Install an Alarm System: An audible car alarm can deter thieves by drawing attention to their activities. Modern alarm systems often come with additional features such as motion sensors and GPS tracking, providing enhanced security.
   
4. Utilise Vehicle Tracking Systems: GPS-based tracking systems like those in our store enable real-time location tracking of your vehicle. In the event of theft, these systems can assist the Police in quickly recovering the stolen vehicle. Some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with tracking systems, recognising their effectiveness in theft prevention. Start by checking out our range of S5 and S7 trackers.
   
5. Secure Parking: Whenever possible, park in well-lit, busy areas. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in locations where they can be easily observed. Additionally, if you have a garage, use it. Parking inside a locked garage adds an extra layer of protection.
   
6. Regularly Update Vehicle Software: Manufacturers often release software updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Regularly updating your vehicle’s software, particularly if you have an EV, can help protect against new hacking techniques used by thieves.
   
7. Etching and Marking: Etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto windows and major parts can make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen parts. Marking systems like SmartWater or Datatag can also deter thieves and aid in recovery if a vehicle is stolen.
   
8. Be Vigilant: Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Community vigilance can play a significant role in deterring car theft whether you’re in Glasgow or not!

The Role of Law Enforcement and Community Initiatives

Police Scotland has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing car crime, including increased patrols in high-risk areas, public awareness campaigns and collaboration with local communities.

Initiatives such as the “We Don’t Buy Crime” campaign encourage residents to take proactive steps in securing their vehicles and report any suspicious activities. There’s also the ‘ParkMark’ scheme which aims to offer safer and more accessible parking.

Community involvement is crucial in the fight against car crime. Neighborhood watch programs and community policing efforts can foster a sense of collective responsibility and vigilance. By working together, residents can create an environment where car thieves find it increasingly difficult to operate.

There’s no denying that car crime remains a significant issue in Glasgow and countless other large towns and cities across the UK. It reflects broader trends in urban areas around the world.

While the latest statistics show some progress in reducing vehicle-related thefts, the city still faces challenges that require ongoing attention and innovative solutions. No matter where you live, understanding the methods used by thieves and implementing robust prevention measures are essential steps in protecting vehicles from theft.

By combining personal vigilance, technological solutions, and community cooperation, Glasgow and every city can continue to make strides in reducing car crime and ensuring the safety and security of its residents and their vehicles.

Remember, when these initiatives come to an end, you can always be sure that Infiniti Tracking will still be here to provide your car security needs in Glasgow or furter afield. We have an incredible range of trackers for your car, bike, motorhome or van to keep your vehicles safe in our store and a dedicated team on hand to help you find the best system for you. When you’re ready to secure your prixed possessions give us a call on 0330 043 3993 between 9am and 6pm, Mon – Fri and we’ll start to keep you safe with installation UK-wide.

Car crime remains a prevalent concern in many cities worldwide, and Manchester here in the UK, is no exception.

Following on from a recent blog (linked here) in which we looked at three car crime hotspots in the UK and how they impact those who live and work there, we wanted to delve into those areas in more detail, starting with Manchester.

Despite advancements in vehicle security technology, symbolised by the amazing trackers we sell, criminals continuously adapt their methods to exploit vulnerabilities. It’s a never-ending game of cat-and-mouse and never more prevalent than in large cities like Greater Manchester.

This area and the police force that covers it, are not just limited to the city centre; it also covers large towns like Bolton, Stockport and Rochdale, along with several surrounding smaller suburbs and villages.

The worst district, at least by postcode, is M2 but this includes shopping areas, the Manchester Central Convention Complex (formerly known as the GMEX) and hotel districts, with theft from a motor vehicle representing half of all offences committed here.

As would might expect, car crime drops considerably as you move away from the city centre into the suburbs, with cars parked in the M1 postcode being almost twice as safe as those parked in the city centre but still at a high risk. You’d have to be in M33 to tangibly limit your risk.

Whilst it might seem counter-intuitive, these stats confirm the notion that criminals always prefer the anonymity of bustling shopping districts compared to the quieter suburbs where they might be more noticeable. Hiding in plain sight you might say.

In this article, we delve into the current landscape of car crime in Manchester, exploring recent statistics, common theft techniques employed by thieves and, more importantly, effective preventive measures.

Understanding the Scope

According to recent reports by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), car crime remains a significant issue in the region. Moreover, incidents such as vandalism, break-ins and theft from vehicles contribute to the overall concern regarding vehicle security.

As we’ve previously shown, the city of Manchester has one of the highest rates of car crime in the UK (per 10,000 registered vehicles). In real terms, this means that 3 out of every 10 vehicles are subjected to some form of attack. Hopefully, you’re not one of them.

Methods Employed by Car Thieves

Car thieves employ various tactics ranging from traditional low-fi methods to far more sophisticated techniques. Some of the common strategies include:

Keyless Entry Theft: With the rise of keyless entry systems in almost all modern cars, criminals have adapted by using relay devices to intercept the signals between key fobs and vehicles. By amplifying the key’s signal, thieves can unlock and start vehicles without needing physical access to the keys themselves. You might think they’re safe in your house or bag, but think again.

Jamming Signals: Thieves can also use signal jamming devices to disrupt remote locking systems, preventing owners from properly securing their vehicles. This technique is often employed in crowded areas such as parking lots, where owners may not even notice the failed locking signal.

Lock Picking and Key Cloning: Traditional methods like lock picking and key cloning are still prevalent, especially among more opportunistic thieves. By gaining physical access to the vehicle, criminals can bypass security systems and create duplicates of keys for future thefts.

Towing: Old school for sure, but in some cases, thieves still resort to towing vehicles away to secluded locations where they can dismantle or sell them for parts. Something much more common in larger cities with a steady supply of victims. This method is more common for larger vehicles or those parked in isolated areas. Don’t think that just because you don’t have a luxury or high-end car you’re safe. Thieves looking to steal cars for parts focus on the more ‘everyday’ car because they know the supply for parts is much larger.

Preventive Measures: Safeguarding Your Vehicle

While car crime hotspots like Manchester pose a persistent threat, there are several proactive measures you can take to minimise the risk of theft:

Invest in Security Technology: Consider installing additional security features such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, and immobilisers to deter thieves. High-quality alarm systems with motion sensors and GPS tracking capabilities can also help in recovering stolen vehicles. We have a wide range of these right here in our store.

Secure Parking: Where possible, park your vehicle in well-lit, populated areas. Utilise secure parking facilities with CCTV surveillance and manned patrols to reduce the likelihood of theft.

Key Management: Be vigilant with your key fob and avoid leaving it unattended or visible near entry points. Store keys in a secure location within your home to prevent unauthorised access.

Signal Blocking Devices: To combat relay attacks, consider using signal-blocking pouches (like a Faraday case) or cases to shield key fobs from potential interception. These inexpensive accessories can effectively prevent unauthorised access to your vehicle’s entry system.

Regular Maintenance: Keep your vehicle well-maintained to ensure all security features are functioning correctly. Check for any signs of tampering or attempted theft, such as scratches around the locks or dashboard.

Community Vigilance: Stay informed about car crime trends in your area, no matter where you live, and communicate with neighbours to share information and raise awareness. Reporting suspicious activities to the authorities can help prevent future incidents.

Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage against theft and vandalism. Consider adding comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle in case of theft or damage. We have a range of insurance-approved trackers right here.

There’s no denying that car crime remains a significant concern for motorists in Manchester and across the UK with thieves employing various tactics to steal your vehicles but by understanding the current landscape of car crime and implementing preventive measures, we can help you effectively safeguard your vehicles against theft and vandalism.

By investing in security technology like the incredible trackers in our store, but also practising good key management and staying vigilant, we can all reduce the risk of falling victim to car crime and enjoy peace of mind on the roads of Manchester and further afield.

If you need any help with choosing the right tracker for your car, van, motorbike, motorhome or trailer, please get in touch with our dedicated Customer Support team. They are available between 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993 and will be more than happy to assist you no matter where you live. Remember, UK-wide installations is available at a time and place to suit you.

London, a bustling metropolis, offers a vibrant tapestry of culture, commerce and history.

However, amidst its grandeur, lies a shadowy underworld of car crime that many of us don’t see, but can be easily impacted by.

From thefts to vandalism, the city’s streets witness a myriad of automotive misdemeanours.

In this blog, we delve into the depths of car crime in London that we touched upon in a previous post, exploring the latest statistics, the methods employed by thieves and crucial tips for prevention.

Unveiling the Scale of Car Crime in London

The streets of London, like most capital cities, have long been plagued by car-related criminal activities, with theft being a significant concern.

According to recent statistics released by the Metropolitan Police, car theft remains a prevalent issue, with thousands of vehicles reported stolen each year.

In 2023 alone, over 25,000 vehicles were reported stolen across London, highlighting the persistent threat posed by car crime in the city.

Furthermore, the data reveals that certain boroughs bear a disproportionate burden of car theft. Areas such as Westminster, Camden and Hackney frequently feature among the hotspots for car crime, indicating a geographical concentration of criminal activity.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and preventive measures to combat car crime effectively and that’s where we come in.

The Tactics of Thieves: Unraveling the Methods Behind Car Theft

Car thieves are adept at exploiting vulnerabilities in vehicles, employing a variety of tactics to accomplish their nefarious objectives. For every new protection, they will (eventually) find a way around it.

One of the most common methods utilised by criminals is keyless car theft, also known as relay theft.

This sophisticated technique involves intercepting the signal that emanates between a key fob and the vehicle, allowing thieves to gain unauthorised access and drive away undetected.

Moreover, thieves often target vehicles parked in secluded or poorly lit areas, where the risk of detection is minimised. Areas like this are often in abundance in cities like London.

Opportunistic criminals may also resort to old-school techniques such as smashing windows or forcibly entering vehicles to steal valuables or even the entire car! No method is off-limit to the most determined car thief.

In addition to traditional theft methods, technology has facilitated the emergence of cyber-enabled car crime. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities within in-vehicle software systems to remotely access and control cars, bypassing traditional security measures. This is becoming particularly widespread as we move towards electric cars and the centralised software they use. Incidentally, if you do have an electric vehicle, you might want to check out this blog.

Strategies to Thwart Car Theft

While the threat of car crime looms large, there are several proactive measures that vehicle owners can adopt to safeguard their prized possessions.

Invest in Anti-Theft Devices: Installing relatively primitive but more visible protections like steering wheel locks, wheel clamps and gearstick guards can serve as effective deterrents against theft. These physical barriers make it significantly more challenging for thieves to abscond with a vehicle because it will take more time, reducing the likelihood of successful theft attempts.

Utilise Tracking Systems: Tracking devices, like those sold in our store, enables owners and the Police to monitor the whereabouts of vehicles in real time. In the event of theft, these systems facilitate swift recovery efforts, increasing the chances of apprehending the culprits and retrieving the stolen vehicle.

Secure Parking: Opting for secure parking facilities equipped with surveillance cameras and adequate lighting can substantially reduce the risk of car theft. Well-lit areas and monitored parking garages serve as deterrents to potential thieves, making it less likely for them to target parked vehicles.

Be Vigilant with Key Management: To mitigate the risk of keyless car theft, owners should adopt precautionary measures such as storing key fobs in signal-blocking pouches (known as Faraday cases) or investing in signal-blocking cases. Additionally, avoiding leaving keys or spare key fobs unattended can help prevent unauthorised access to vehicles.

Stay Updated on Security Measures: Regularly updating vehicle software and security systems is paramount in thwarting cyber-enabled car crime. Manufacturers often release patches and updates to address potential vulnerabilities, including any apps that accompany tracking systems, ensuring that vehicles remain resilient against emerging threats.

Community Vigilance: Establishing neighbourhood watch programs or community initiatives focused on combating car crime fosters a collective sense of security. By encouraging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities, communities can effectively deter criminals and safeguard against potential threats. You could, for example, set up a WhatsApp group with neighbours to help highlight areas of concern in your street.

Car crime in London, or anywhere for that matter, represents a multifaceted challenge, characterised by evolving tactics and persistent threats.

While the latest statistics underscore the scale of the problem, proactive measures and community engagement offer a beacon of hope in the fight against automotive crime, particularly if a car tracker is fitted.

By fortifying your vehicle’s defences (one of our incredible trackers won’t hurt), staying abreast of emerging threats and remaining vigilant, vehicle owners like us can navigate the urban landscape in London and further afield with greater confidence, safeguarding our prized possessions from the clutches of car crime.

Our dedicated Customer Support team can help you find the perfect tracker for you, whether you live in London or Loughborough, John O’Groats to Land’s End. Our installation team can come to your home or your place of work at a time and date to suit you. Just give us a call on 0330 043 3993 between 9am and 6pm, Mon – Fri and we’ll get your car, van, motorhome or motorbike secured in no time.

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.

We recently started a series of blogs looking at the top ten car crime hotspots in the UK. If you missed them, you can take a look at the ones we did for Leicester and Slough. Those were based on figures released in 2021, but in the meantime, the latest statistics including those for the first half of 2022 have been released.

If you live in Leicester or Slough, there’s good news….. and bad. Leicester has dropped from #1 to #7 and Slough has disappeared from the Top 10 entirely. Sadly, these lists still exist because car crime is still virulent in the UK and for those of you living in South London, specifically Croydon, it’s time to take a serious look at your vehicle security.

In a survey released by insurance giant Direct Line using their wealth of national claim data, they have identified Croydon as the number one in UK’s car crime hotspot chart. The list doesn’t just include thefts of vehicles, but also vehicle crime as a proportion of all crime reported and vehicle crime per 1000 people to give an overall outlook of the nation as a whole.

BIG CITY. BIG PROBLEM.

It’s probably no great surprise that the areas of London would feature highly in any list like this. Croydon in the south of the city, which topped the list, recorded over 6005 car crimes in one year, that’s over 16 car crimes reported every single day for a year! When you look at the big picture, even taking London as a whole, there are 113 car crimes for every 10,000 people.

Nearly 10% of all crimes recorded in the capital involved a vehicle. In other words, it recorded more than 321,000 crimes over the past three years, or 293 every single day!

CAR THIEVES BECOME MORE BRAZEN

With this explosion in car theft, you might be thinking that you only need to look at how to secure your vehicle at night, but you’d be wrong. This, and many other pieces of research, all point to the fact that thieves are becoming more brazen in their attempt to steal your vehicle.

DON’T BECOME A VICTIM OF CAR CRIME.

For all the doom and gloom these studies might illustrate, there are things you can do to protect yourself. Some of the most effective solutions to keep your vehicle safe are things that don’t cost you anything. Keeping your vehicle secured behind a locked garage door or gate, stored / parked in a well-lit area, particularly at night, will go a long way to helping keep it safe.

In an effort to counter-act the threat from keyless entry theft there are also some simple measures you can take. Store your keys away from your front door and, if possible, keep them in a Faraday case (or bag) to prevent the signal from being duplicated when not in use.

If you’re wanting to take your levels of security to the next level, then a car tracker is exactly what you need. Here at Infiniti, we have a huge range of vehicle trackers  that suit everyone, regardless of where you live, what vehicle you drive or what price point you’re looking at.

We stock a huge range of S5 and S7 trackers from all the leading manufacturers like SmarTrack, ScorpionTrack, MetaTrak and Tracker.

By buying from Infiniti Tracking you get:

⚬ An incredible system installed at your convenience, anywhere in the UK.

⚬ A dedicated team of experts to help you choose the right system for your requirements.

⚬ Peace of mind to know your pride and joy will be protected should the worst happen.

Whether you live in Croydon, Greater London or anywhere else in the UK, we have a solution that will help keep your car secure. Our huge range of car trackers has something for everyone and all are available to be installed anywhere in the UK. Just give our team a call from Monday to Friday (9am-6pm) on 0330 043 3993 and we’ll get you booked in. Don’t wait until you’re a victim of car crime before taking action!

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!

If you’ve read one of our previous blogs discussing the Top 10 Cities for car crime, then you might have been surprised that Leicester was number one. You might conclude that you’re safe if you live in the south but sadly, you’re out of luck. Slough in Berkshire was number two on the list! If you thought living down the road from the Queen would keep your vehicle safe, think again.

Between May 2021 and April 2022, statistics from the Home Office showed that there were a massive 5138 car crimes reported across Berkshire, including the key county towns of Slough, Reading, Chalvey and Upton. Despite the advances in car security, it seems that the equipment you get as standard, even in brand new cars, isn’t enough to keep your car out of their thieving hands.

HOW THIEVES STEAL YOUR CAR

As technology within even the most modest family car gets more and more advanced, so do the techniques thieves use to whisk your pride and joy away from you. You don’t have to live in any of the Top 10 areas for car crime to become a victim of it.

Many of the basic techniques you can use to prevent yourself from being a victim of car crime are still just as relevant today as they ever were. Make sure your vehicle’s doors are securely locked and that the windows and sunroof, if you have one, are also firmly shut.

Even if they don’t steal the car itself, many crimes involve the theft of registration plates, so make sure you have tamper-resistant screws fitted. If your car has alloy wheels, ensure you also have locking wheel nuts installed.

BEWARE THE RELAY ATTACK

As we mentioned earlier, the advances in car security have also given rise to a speight of car theft that uses cutting-edge technology to get around even the most sophisticated systems. This is where things like keyless entry have become the go-to tactic for many thieves.

Keyless entry theft, sometimes referred to as a relay attack, relies on the key fobs that many modern cars utilise instead of a physical key that goes into an ignition.

Using their own pieces of technology, thieves will position themselves between your key and car, usually by standing just outside your front door, and hijack the legitimate signal emitted from your fob, relaying the signal to your car, so it opens up and even allows itself to be started. Once that’s done, they simply drive away without you even noticing, until it’s too late of course.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Keyless entry thefts blur the lines between high-tech and low-tech. The equipment used is advanced, but the method isn’t. Thankfully you can easily protect yourself against it by keeping your car keys away from the front door to stop them from stealing the signal or, better still, keep them in a Faraday box which keeps the signal contained.

Should the worst happen and your car is stolen, whether it’s an all-time classic car or a cutting-edge luxury motor, you’re going to need something to help recover the vehicle quickly and safely. Car trackers are the way to go.

Having a device covertly installed on your car means that there will be no hiding place for them. We have a range of devices to suit every vehicle, from cars, motorbikes, vans and motorhomes and to fit every budget.

Whilst many share the same fantastic features like 24/7 control centre availability and dedicated apps with real-time alerts and notifications, some also come with the latest vehicle protections including Remote Immobilisation, ‘No-Tag-No-Start’ technology and multi-frequency tracking to make sure you always, ALWAYS know where your vehicle is.

With Infiniti Tracking in your corner you will:

⚬ Benefit from UK-wide fitting by our fully trained professional installation engineers.

⚬ A huge range of Thatcham and insurance-approved trackers for all cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and vans.

⚬ Find a tracker that suits your circumstances, vehicle and budget.

Whether you live in Slough, or anywhere else in the UK, we have a car tracker within our range of products for you. Our team are available from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday on 0330 043 3993 to help you choose and to arrange installation. We look forward to helping you on your journey from Berkshire to car security heaven!