What's the best/best value tracking device?

[nubbin]

Simple question really - which is easiest to fit, best after sales service, best value for money etc?

[tonyrec]

I only have experince with the 'Tracker' unit. We have dealings with it on a daily basis, recovering cars etc etc.
Most Traffic cars are equipped with the detection units as well as the mid range Police cars known as IRV's. This gives a very good coverage and thats why the recovery rate of stolen vehicles is about 99.9%.

Tracker do have several types of package and you will need to look at their website for details.

I dont know if any of the County Forces use or are involved with any of the other aftermarket recovery units and there are a few around.

Knowing what i know, i wouldnt hesitate to have it fitted to my new car which im getting in a few weeks.

[john_p]

tonyrec said:

This gives a very good coverage and thats why the recovery rate of stolen vehicles is about 99.9%.

Tony, that's quite a reassurance. Without wishing you to give too much away, what happens to the cars when they get stolen - what sort of places do you find them in? Are they generally OK when picked up, or are they a bit trashed (scrotes frantically trying to find the Tracker)

Aren't the helicopters fitted with the detector unit too?

Doesn't stop anyone breaking into your house and stealing your keys though - if you don't know about it the car could be long gone by the time you find out!

NavTrak ADR is a good system, worth looking at. You have to carry around a key fob, if the car is started without this being present it will trigger an alarm to their call centre - although it is more pricey than Tracker, you can transfer it between cars. It only works by GPS though (which is a good and a bad thing depending on your opinion)

Alternatively a cheaper solution would be to buy a TrakM8, it will text you if the car is moved within certain times and you can then stay updated with its position - you have to be sure you will get woken up by the text message though. Also it only works by GPS. But it is an easy DIY install (or you can get a VSIB-approved installer to do it, then Tesco etc accept it as a tracking device)

Depends on the amount you're willing to spend, how often you change cars, whether you want it just to satisfy your insurance company or to genuinely get the car back etc etc..

edit: rewritten for some better English

>> Edited by john_p on Monday 11th August 11:32

[tonyrec]

Yes i forgot, the Parafin Parrot is also fitted with the device.

High value cars are normally stolen with the keys obtained from Burglaries etc etc.
In general and in my experience (general knowledge anyway), they are laid up in the street for a few days, hours after the theft to see if they are then recovered by Police (and therefore have Tracker fitted). If they are not recovered then they are taken away to have the full ringing treatment.

At this stage they are relatively undamaged.

I would have it fitted to my car for one reason and one reason only. Theres a very good chance that the thieving sh****g will get caught and therefore secure a conviction, (along with about 20hours community service etc )

Chilled out again mode.

[RichB]

tonyrec said:

the Parafin Parrot

Ah-ha the dreaded enemy! Also known as flying egg whisks Rich...

[outlaw]

i forget witch one it is now.

But the best one for me is the one that notifies you and not the old bill where the car is.

[craiginsight]

Hi,

New to pistonheads and it looks like there is some good advise on here.

Just wondered how much the TrakM8 tracking device costs as I am collecting my Impreza soon and have to have a tracker for the insurance.

I am also soiling myself at the thought of it being nicked by some skanky smack rat!

Cheers

Craig

[tvrgit]

Trakm8 has other benefits as well:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/1975927.stm

skanky chavs don't all wear burberry - sometimes they wear dealer-logo overalls...

[JoolzB]

tonyrec said:

In general and in my experience (general knowledge anyway), they are laid up in the street for a few days, hours after the theft to see if they are then recovered by Police (and therefore have Tracker fitted). If they are not recovered then they are taken away to have the full ringing treatment.

Could you not leave them for a bit then if this is generally what happens and wait until they're recovered by the tea leaves themselves? Or do owners want them back before they're trashed?

[cptsideways]

Hows about you all try & track my old Volvo then

TrakM8 are sponsoring the old bus for our Africa trip & we'll have to see how well it copes out in the sticks proper

The cars travels (and hopefully ours) will be logged onto their website. I intend to see if doughnuts & multiple laps of roundabouts confuse it.