Thatcham

Vehicle theft is a persistent issue worldwide, prompting continuous advancements in security measures. It’s been a game of cat-and-mouse for decades now. Security devices get more advanced, thieves find a way to counter-act those advances prompting manufacturers to get further still. Repeat ad infinitum.

Understanding Thatcham Research’s Vehicle Tracker Categories

Thatcham Research, a renowned UK-based organisation, plays a critical role in setting industry standards for vehicle security.

One of their key contributions is the categorisation of vehicle tracking systems. Among these categories, the S5 and S7 trackers are often discussed due to their specific functionalities and security levels. You’ll see these on our website because they offer a different feature set for consumers, but what do they mean? What is a Category S5 tracker anyway?

With this blog, we wanted to explore what constitutes a Category S5 tracker, how it differs from an S7 category, and why these distinctions matter to us as a supplier and to you, as a consumer.

Before we get into that, let’s take a quick look at Thatcham themselves.

Thatcham Research and Its Role

Thatcham Research, established in 1969, is an authoritative body in automotive security and safety. It works closely with insurers, vehicle manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies to improve vehicle security standards.

Thatcham’s classification of vehicle tracking systems is designed to help consumers and insurers understand the security level provided by various products. The devices with the most advanced, sophisticated and elaborate preventative measures built in get the highest standard, or, in other words, S5.

S5 Trackers

S5 Trackers offer a range of features that other, less sophisticated systems do not, they include:

• Driver Identification: One of the primary features of an S5 tracker is driver identification. These systems typically include a separate driver identification tag or card, which must be present when the vehicle is started. If the vehicle is started without the tag being present, an alert is sent to the monitoring centre.
  
• Real-Time Tracking: S5 trackers offer real-time location tracking, allowing for immediate response in case of theft. This is crucial for recovering stolen vehicles quickly and safely.
  
• Automatic Immobilisation: Some S5 systems can also remotely immobilise the vehicle if unauthorised use is detected. This feature helps prevent the vehicle from being moved far from its location once it is identified as stolen.
  
• 24/7 Monitoring: These systems are linked to a 24/7 monitoring centre that can immediately respond to theft alerts, including contacting the vehicle owner and, in some cases, the police.
  
• Advanced Alert System: S5 trackers can provide various alerts such as tampering, battery disconnection, and unauthorised movement, ensuring comprehensive protection.
  
• Insurance Benefits: Vehicles equipped with S5 trackers often qualify for insurance discounts due to the high level of security they provide. Insurers recognise the effectiveness of these systems in preventing and responding to theft.
  
• Geofencing: Finally, whilst not exclusive to S5 trackers, this feature allows the owner to set virtual boundaries for the vehicle. If the vehicle crosses these boundaries, an alert is triggered.

S7 Trackers

Of course, S5 trackers aren’t the only ones you can buy in the current market. There are also the S7-rated trackers which offer a little less in terms of features but then they are often cheaper. Their key attributes include:

• Basic Tracking: S7 trackers provide basic tracking capabilities, including real-time location updates. While they do not have all the advanced features of S5 trackers, they are still effective for monitoring vehicle location.
  
• Theft Alerts: These systems can send alerts if the vehicle is moved without authorisation. However, the alert system might not be as comprehensive as S5 trackers.
  
• 24/7 Monitoring: Similar to S5, S7 trackers are connected to a monitoring centre that operates round the clock. This ensures that any theft alerts are promptly addressed but won’t have the real-time tracking abilities that S5 trackers do.
  
• Lower Cost: S7 trackers are generally more affordable compared to S5 trackers, making them accessible for a wider range of consumers. This cost-effectiveness is achieved by offering fewer advanced features.
  
• Insurance Considerations: While S7 trackers can still lead to insurance discounts, the savings might not be as substantial as those provided for S5-equipped vehicles. This is due to the lower level of security and fewer anti-theft features.

Comparing S5 and S7 Trackers

If you’re still wavering between buying an S5 and an S7, then it may be helpful to compare and contrast what they offer to help you decide. Understanding the differences between S5 and S7 trackers is crucial for vehicle owners and insurers alike.

Don’t forget, we have a huge range of both S5 and S7 trackers available in our store and our dedicated team is on hand to help you decide (more on that at the end).

Whilst it can be confusing, at least at first, Thatcham Research’s categorisation of vehicle tracking systems into S5 and S7 provides everyone with a clear framework for understanding the levels of security offered by different products.

It makes it easier for companies like us to give customers the best options and helps you make the best decisions based on your circumstances.

S5 trackers, with their advanced features like driver identification, automatic immobilisation, and comprehensive alert systems, represent the pinnacle of vehicle security. On the other hand, S7 trackers offer essential tracking and alert capabilities at a more affordable price point.

For vehicle owners, the choice between S5 and S7 trackers will depend on their specific security needs, budget and insurance considerations. By understanding the distinctions between these categories, consumers can make informed decisions that enhance their vehicle’s security and potentially reduce their insurance costs.

Insurers, in turn, can more accurately assess the risk associated with insuring vehicles equipped with these different levels of tracking technology, leading to more tailored and fair premiums, something we can all benefit from.

We hope that blogs helped you understand what an S5 tracker is and how it can help you keep your vehicle secure. As we touched on earlier, if you need any help in finding the best S5 or S7 tracker, or anything in between, please get in touch with our team who can help. They’re available Monday to Friday from 9am and 6pm on 0330 043 3993. Look forward to hearing from you.

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.