Want to hang onto your car?
Covert Asset Tracking Systems (or C.A.T.S.eye) has recently launched a tracking device that can be covertly fitted into most items of value ranging from laptops to sailing boats. It's about the size of a box of matches so it'll fit into objects a lot smaller than your P&J too.
The unit uses GPS technology, GSM and a short-range radio frequency to pinpoint the location of its host.
According to the company, the unit is already having success within several of the UK’s police forces when being used to track stolen items, prior to its commercial launch. In one constabulary, it helped cut theft from vehicles by 14 per cent in one month, reckoned the company.
It's able to track items because of its comination of different technologies, according to company boss Lee Walkey: "While most existing tracking systems use GPS and GSM to locate their positions, the C.A.T.S.eye unit uses a combination of three radio technologies to significantly improve the chances of recovery.
"For example, the C.A.T.S.eye prioritises its GPS data when available but then it can also use its GSM and RF technologies to fall back on when GPS is not available, such as when the asset is taken into a building or vehicle.
"We use a simple RF beacon which pulses at 433.868 and 915MHz and acts like a homing beacon. This penetrates most concrete and even from underground such as basements, which means that we can find items that are hidden within buildings.
"This is invaluable when your lost or stolen asset is the size of a laptop or handbag, and enables police or security personnel to home in its signal from up to 500m away to make the recovery."
It'll cost about £249 and will be available early in the new year.