Tag: TRACKER

Motorists warned about ‘frost-jacking’ thieves

Tracker urges drivers not to leave their vehicles vulnerable

As the UK prepares for a drop in temperatures, stolen vehicle recovery expert, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd, is urging motorists to be on their guard from unscrupulous thieves when de-icing their windscreens and warming up their cars.

Over £4 million worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by Tracker between November 2023 and January 2024, the peak months for vehicles to be ‘frost jacked.’

‘Frost jacking’ is usually an opportunist crime when thieves see an unattended unlocked car, typically with the keys in the ignition, as drivers wait elsewhere to thaw out frosted windows and warm up cars on cold days.

Not only does leaving vehicles unattended make them an easy theft target, but motorists also run the risk of invalidating their insurance or facing fines.

“Whilst it can be very tempting to leave your car running on these cold and dark mornings, the wider risk of theft if just too strong,” warns Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker.

“It is always best to just wrap up warm and stay with your car whilst you are defrosting the windows, whether it is on your driveway or parked in the road. Using a combination of new and traditional methods to keep cars safe from thieves is always recommended, especially in the winter when there are less daylight hours.”

As well as being vulnerable to theft, additional legal matters come into play when leaving a vehicle unattended. Unnecessarily leaving the engine running on a vehicle parked on the public road is an offence under regulations 98 and 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which reinforces rule 123 of the Highway Code.

Contrary to the Road Traffic Act, engine quitting, where a person leaves their vehicles’ engine running whilst not actually in the vehicle, is also an offence. Drivers caught engine quitting could be fined anywhere between £20-£80. Not correctly defrosting a windscreen and leaving it dangerous to drive can also result in a potential fine and three penalty points.

“Although it isn’t always the nicest option, staying with your vehicle in frosty conditions can help to prevent theft, invalid insurance, fines and penalty points,” continues Clive Wain. “One of the best ways to protect cars in the winter is to fit a tracking unit, which can significantly increase the chances of a vehicle been recovered if it is stolen.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider supported nationwide by U.K. police services that track, locate and recover stolen assets. More than 2,000 police patrol vehicles and all police helicopters are fitted with Tracker detection units. Confirming Tracker as a superior security defence against determined thieves, Tracker boasts a 95% success rate, 50% of which are recovered within 4 hours and 80% are returned to their owners within 24 hours, undamaged. 

 

Tracker’s Winter Security Advice

  • At home, don’t keep keys in a place where they can be seen or accessed from outside
  • Never leave the keys in the ignition, even if you are just stopping quickly 
  • Never leave your car running unattended when de-icing 
  • Always lock and secure your vehicle
  • Don’t leave belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you
  • Do not leave technology items on display, such as satnavs or mobile telephones.  Take them with you or lock them in the boot.
  • Never leave car documents or spare keys inside the car – this only makes it easier for thieves to sell it on
  • Park in busy or well-lit and attended car parks near CCTV cameras
  • If you have a garage, use it to park your car
  • Consider fitting a tracking device to help police recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.

Short supply and heavy demand widens the car thief’s net

First ever hybrid car makes Tracker’s top ten most stolen and recovered league table as Lexus becomes a target for thieves

Key 2022 Tracker Recovery Data 

  • 42% of stolen cars recovered by Tracker in 2022 were Range Rover and Land Rover models
  • The Range Rover Sport takes the number one spot for the fourth consecutive year
  • Luxury brand Lexus enters Tracker’s top ten league table for the first time with its Lexus RX 450h, which takes sixth place
  • The Volkswagen Golf re-enters Tracker’s league table, last appearing in 2017
  • 32 chop shops were uncovered by police in 2022 as a result of a Tracker activated stolen vehicle recovery – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021
  • Keyless car theft remained on par year-on-year with 93% of all vehicles recovered by Tracker stolen without the key present

New data analysis from stolen vehicle recovery expert (SVR), Tracker Network UK Limited confirms that the Range Rover Sport continues to be its most commonly stolen and recovered car.

However, Tracker’s 2022 data has also revealed that not only has another premium SUV model become favourable among thieves, but hybrid vehicles are now rich pickings for criminals.  The Lexus RX 450h enters Tracker’s top ten most stolen and recovered league table, which is the first time a Lexus vehicle has ever appeared in its annual review of stolen and recovered vehicles. A sharp rise in thefts of the Lexus RX450h in the second half of the year indicates it’s likely to remain a target for thieves.

The Volkswagen Golf has re-entered Tracker’s top ten with an average value of £10k; it last appeared in 2017.

The highest value stolen car recovered by Tracker in 2022 was a Mercedes-Benz AMG with a retail price of £182,000 and the lowest value car recovered was an Audi A4, priced at £1,000.

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “As the U.K. accelerates towards its ambition of achieving zero emissions, so too has the take up of hybrid and electric vehicles by private and company car drivers. And with increasing demand comes a greater risk of these vehicles being targeted by thieves.

“Crucially however, our 2022 data highlights that it’s not just premium and nearly new cars being targeted by thieves. An ongoing lack of parts for new car manufacturing – primarily microchips – has boosted demand in the second-hand car market and in turn, created an opportunity professional criminals have been quick to take advantage of. 

“Furthermore, a shortfall in vehicle parts supply has also hit the service, maintenance and repair sector, creating another lucrative opportunity for professional car thieves. 2022 saw a U.K. boom in ‘chop-shops’ – buildings containing stolen vehicles to be stripped down for their expensive parts to be sold on, on the black market. 

“Police uncovered 32 illegal chop shops in 2022 as a result of us locating stolen vehicles belonging to our customers being hidden there. What’s more, these recoveries resulted in the police also uncovering 100s of non-Tracker fitted vehicles, as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.”

Keyless car theft and ‘relay attack’ continues to challenge manufacturers, as Tracker’s latest data confirms. The level of vehicle theft carried out through this method has significantly increased over the years. In 2017, 80% of all vehicles stolen and recovered were stolen without using the owner’s keys, it now stands at 93% in 2022.


Clive Wain added: “It remains a difficult time for car owners but a multi-layer approach to vehicle security will go a long way in protecting vehicles. Criminals continue to find ways around new security technology, which is why we always encourage motorists to use traditional security deterrents such as crook locks and wheel clamps to deter criminals and protect their vehicles.  

“An investment in smart doorbells or a CCTV system are also increasingly popular amongst those keen to guard against unwanted visitors. Indeed, they have become a valuable means to helping police solve vehicle crime. However, in the event of a theft, stolen vehicle tracking technology will significantly help police quickly locate the vehicle and return it to its rightful owner before it is sold on, broken down for parts or shipped abroad.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces. Its detection units are fitted in over 2000 police patrol vehicles and throughout the national fleet of Police helicopters that comprise the National Police Air Service (NPAS). 

Tracker data reveals over 30 ‘Chop Shops’ were uncovered in 2022

In joint operations, Tracker Network (UK) and the UK police force uncovered 32 illegal chop shops during 2022 – over a 300% increase on the number of chop shop closures recorded by Tracker since 2021.

Alongside vehicles recovered that were fitted with Tracker units, it has helped return 100’s of other non-Tracker fitted vehicles to their rightful owners as well as seize valuable vehicle parts worth millions of pounds.

With the popularity of chop shops amongst organised crime gangs significantly on the rise, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker, is warning vehicle owners to be extra vigilant.  

Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker said, “We have seen a record number of chop shops being discovered and closed down in the UK last year.

“Essex has always been and continues to be the UK’s chop shop prime hot spot. Only recently, Essex police and Tracker found a number of stolen vehicles at a Tilbury chop shop site, which had been stolen over the weekend from the Met Police area. Other key regions for chop shops being found include, London, Kent, Bedfordshire, Manchester and the West Midlands.

“The lack of parts for new car manufacturing in recent years has driven a surge of sales in the second-hand car market, which in turn, generated a higher demand and price for used car spare parts, especially in 2022.

“This resulted in creating a perfect opportunity for thieves. Inside the illegal shops, batteries, engines, and steering wheels are stripped from cars ready to be sold for cash or on the black market.  Criminals are working 24/7 to steal cars for their parts to then sell-on to criminal networks, not only in the UK but also in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“We work very closely with UK police forces recovering stolen cars in ‘chop shops’ nationwide. A large percentage of vehicles that are stolen to order, are taken to ‘chop shops’ where the criminals strip the parts and try to mask their identities, which can often happen within just a few hours of them being taken. Given the current cost of living crisis this industry is booming adding demand for high-value parts being removed for re-sale.”

Tracker is the only SVR provider offering vehicle tracking systems that are supported nationwide by UK police forces.

Tracker’s SVR solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t know it’s there. The combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology unique to Tracker, confirms its SVR devices as a superior security defence against determined thieves.

Tracker’s top tips for vehicle security

Protect your key fob: Keyless car theft works through a relay-style electronic device tricking your key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then the device can assume all key fob power. To prevent this, keep the key – and the spare too – away from where the vehicle is kept when not in use, and block the signal by keeping the key fob in a closed tin or faraday bag.

Switch off and lock up: Never leave your car running idle and unattended, even when defrosting windscreens and windows on a cold morning.

Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.

Don’t advertise your stuff: Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.

Keep paperwork indoors – Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.

Plan for the worst: Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. If criminals find a way to steal your car, having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle.

170% rise in Dog thefts

How you can prevent your dog from being stolen

Last year saw a year on year increase of 170% in dog thefts across the UK. With this in mind the insurance experts at Protectivity give their top five tips on how best to prevent dog theft.

To view the research: https://www.protectivity.com/knowledge-centre/preventing-dog-theft/

Top 5 tips to prevent dog theft

1. Don’t leave dogs unattended

It should come as first nature to dog walkers and owners but leaving dogs unattended in public spaces increases the chance of you falling foul to thieves dramatically.

That includes leaving dogs tied up outside shops or other businesses, inside a parked car or at the park.

The less time a dog is out of your sight, the less chance there is for the dog to be stolen.

2. Ensure your setting is secure

If your business involves keeping dogs on your premises, or even if you are visiting those of your clients, making sure they are secure is hugely important.

We all know dogs can sometimes take off of their own accord, so it’s worth checking that fences and property boundaries will keep even the most inquisitive dog inside.

By keeping your dogs inside, you can also keep potential thieves out.

3. Watch what you post on social media

Social media can be a great place to showcase your business to potential clients but it also comes with potential risks.

Posting your walks, daily activities or generally marketing your business is good, however there’s also the chance it’ll tell potential thieves where and when there’s an opportunity to steal a dog.

If you must post daily about your dog walks, it’s worth mixing things up to avoid a regular routine that can set you up for the risk of dog napping.

4. Ask that your clients’ dogs have good recall

Letting dogs off the lead when out on a walk obviously gives them an opportunity for a good run to burn off some steam, but it’s always worth ensuring they come back when called.

Should they fail to return on demand it increases the chances of them being snatched by thieves.

Whether you train the dogs yourself, or ask the owners to make an effort to teach dogs good recall, it can increase the safety of the pooches in your care.

5. Invest in a dog GPS system

It might seem an extreme investment, but with the value of certain dog breeds in the thousands, the outlay of a dog GPS system might be money well spent.

There are a number of options on the market, starting from around £50, so if you’ve got a lot of different animals in your care it can be a wise investment.

Should they take off, or worse still, be stolen, a tracker will allow you and the owner to see exactly where they go. 

To view the full research please click here.

Centre for Cities analysis of latest unemployment stats

Centre for Cities has launched a new interactive online tool to track unemployment in the 63 largest cities and towns in the UK. You can explore this here.

You can see here some key statistics from the newly released data today covering the period up to September 2020:

  • The number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits has increased by 1.4 million since March and now stands at 2.7 million people.
  • Birmingham has overtaken Blackpool as the place with the highest unemployment rate in the country. Almost one in ten adults in the city are claiming unemployment related benefits.
  • Slough, Luton, London and Crawley remain the places that have had the largest increases in people claiming unemployment-related benefits since the March lockdown.
  • Slough, Luton and Crawley have also all had the largest increases in unemployment in the past month.
  • While also slowing down, the number of young people claiming unemployment-related benefits is rising at a faster rate than the number of adults overall.
  • Half of large cities and towns have seen no change or decrease in claimant count compared to last month.
Percentage point change in unemployment claims March – September 2020
HIGHESTLOWEST
RankPlacePercentage point changeRankPlacePercentage point change
1Slough5.61York2.3
2Luton5.42Exeter2.4
3Crawley5.13Oxford2.6
4London4.84Swansea2.6
5Bradford4.45Cambridge2.7
6Northampton4.36Preston2.7
7Brighton4.27Warrington2.8
8Birmingham4.18Mansfield2.9
9Liverpool4.19Barnsley2.9
10Blackpool4.110Belfast3
Percentage point change in unemployment claims August – September 2020
HIGHESTLOWEST
RankPlacePercentage point changeRankPlacePercentage point change
1Crawley0.51Blackpool-0.3
2Slough0.32Mansfield-0.1
3London0.23Barnsley-0.1
4Derby0.24Exeter-0.1
5Bradford0.25Doncaster-0.1
6Coventry0.26Preston0.0
7Aberdeen0.27Portsmouth0.0
8Birmingham0.28Glasgow0.0
9Oxford0.19Swindon0.0
10Brighton0.110Edinburgh0.0
Overall unemployment claimant count rate, September 2020
HIGHESTLOWEST
RankPlacePercentage RankPlacePercentage 
1Birmingham9.81York3.6
2Hull9.72Exeter4.2
3Blackpool9.53Cambridge4.3
4Bradford9.54Oxford4.6
5Liverpool8.95Oxford4.6
6Luton8.76Reading5.1
7Slough8.57Edinburgh5.1
8Sunderland8.38Warrington5.4
9Middlesbrough8.39Preston5.4
10Blackburn8.210Norwich5.6

Further analysis of this data by Centre for Cities Senior Analyst Elena Magrini can be read here.

All of our work on unemployment and the labour market can be read here.

TRACKER signs major new deal with Arnold Clark

TRACKER, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) specialist, has signed a major new deal with Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited, Europe’s largest independently owned family-run car dealer. Under the new agreement TRACKER is the preferred supplier of stolen vehicle tracking units to over 200 Arnold Clark dealerships throughout the UK providing its customers a high level of protection against vehicle theft. Continue reading TRACKER signs major new deal with Arnold Clark