Rocky Mountain Tracking » Auto Theft

Winnipeg Finds Flaws in Car Thief GPS Tracking Plan

Mark Rummel — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Winnipeg has a serious problem with car theft. Not only are there a lot of people stealing cars, but many of them are young and many are repeat offenders, indicating that without a concerted response from police, the problem will increase. Fortunately, city law enforcement has had significant success in reducing auto theft rates through a number of creative solutions, but an ambitious GPS tracking bracelet program has been hindered by an obvious flaw.

Since the time Winnipeg began fitting young convicted car thieves with GPS tracking devices in 2008, fifty-nine people have passed through the system. During that period, there have been thirty-nine instances of tampering with the trackers. In some cases, the convicts have been able to completely remove the trackers, usually by cutting through the bracelet material. In one rather comical instance, a car thief successfully removed his bracelet, only to accidentally throw it into the back seat of the car he was in the process of stealing. Obviously, the police had no problem finding the stolen car and the thief.

When a convict removes his GPS tracking device, law enforcement response is slowed by the involvement of an intermediary company. Instead of sounding an alarm at the closest Winnipeg police station, the damaged bracelet sends an alert to a response center at Omnilink, the Atlanta company that manufactures and manages the tracking system. This communication delay gives a car thief a sizable head start after ditching the device.

To make the most of this still-experimental law enforcement technology, the city of Winnipeg would need to build its own facility for monitoring GPS trackers. If the program is expanded to include violent criminals, as some political groups are requesting, the facility may be worth the expense. However, with the difficulty police are experiencing just keeping the trackers on convicts’ ankles, it seems unlikely that the method will be trusted to keep violent offenders under surveillance in its current form.

Fortunately, Winnipeg police have not made the experimental GPS tracking project the centerpiece of their auto theft crackdown. While fascinating, the tracking is only a small part of an otherwise very successful campaign. Officers have been relying more on personal visits and curfew enforcement, and will probably continue to do so until GPS bracelets are made of more durable materials.

Man Steals Ambulance, Briefly.

Harriette Halepis — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:00:45 +0000

Last Wednesday eve, a man in Alberta decided to take an ambulance for a joy ride. The man didn’t get very far, since authorities were able to track his every move thanks to a GPS tracking system that was installed on the ambulance earlier this year. Before authorities could stop the man, a short chase ensued which involved the ambulance in a hit and run accident.

While nobody was hurt during this incident, it does bring two important points to mind. The first point being that attempting to steal an ambulance is never a good idea, since it’s very easy for police to locate a colorful ambulance. The second point is that with GPS tracking technology, vehicle thieves (of any kind) can’t get very far. If you happen to run a hospital, own a fleet, or have any kind of vehicle, take a moment to consider what GPS tracking technology can do for you.

The ambulance that was taken was recovered in record time, and the suspect (unnamed) is now in police custody.

Florida Dealership Tracks Car Buyers and Forces Life Insurance Purchase

Admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:12:17 +0000

A used car dealership in Florida may have crossed the line by tracking customers who have bought vehicles from them.

In Jacksonville, Florida, the anger of a number of dissatisfied car buyers has prompted the Florida Attorney General’s office to launch a lawsuit against a local used car dealer. Customers of Beach Boulevard Automotive claim that, among other underhanded business practices, the dealership installed GPS devices on the cars they bought without their knowledge.

By continuing to monitor the location of sold cars, the dealership made it easier for itself to repossess cars in the event that payments were not made.

The practice may not have resulted in a lawsuit, however, except for the fact that some angry customers claim that Beach Boulevard Automotive repossessed their cars even though the payments were being made on time.

Since GPS tracking is a fairly new field of technology, the legal world is struggling to keep up with the new challenges it presents. The outcome of the Florida lawsuit may give an indication of how courts will respond in the future to unannounced installations of tracking systems for repossession purposes.

John King, the president of Beach Boulevard Automotive, responded to questions by insisting that the GPS systems are legal since the cars belong to the dealership until they are paid off by the customers. This is true if the cars are purchased by way of a direct loan. It must also be made clear to any car buyer (by way of contract) that a vehicle is equipped with a GPS tracker.

In addition to the GPS tracking and premature repossession charges, the lawsuit also claims that customers were required to buy a life insurance policy as part of their car purchase, and that the owners posted fake reviews on the web to boost their own public image. Only time will tell if the secret–some would say sneaky–GPS installations were invasive enough to merit the heavy penalties of a lawsuit.

Article Written by Mark Rummel

Australian Cab Found With GPS Help

Admin — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:19:25 +0000

As the benefits of GPS tracking for fleet management continue to prove valuable to a variety of industries, many taxi companies have begun implementing the devices to monitor their vehicles. By providing information such as mileage, gas usage, routes taken, and location, managers can both monitor employee usage of company vehicles and protect against theft. One especially poignant case occurred in Logan, Australia, a city near Brisbane, when a man apparently hijacked a taxi equipped with a GPS device.

While details of the incident remain vague, it is clear that the company was able to use information obtained from the car’s tracking unit to locate and direct police to the vehicle. Many managers use this information not only to monitor employee actions, but to promote fuel conservation, teach safe and environmentally friendly driving practices, and ensure that vehicles can be recovered in the case of theft.

Cab theft rarely takes the dramatic turn that the incident in Logan apparently did, but a reliable tracking unit can lead police to the stolen vehicle regardless of the circumstances. In the cab theft that took place in Logan, police were able to recover the vehicle and apprehend the suspect before any damage took place.

Article Written by Lynetta Bowen

Stolen Car? Time to Get GPS

Admin — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:00:44 +0000

GPS tracking devices started off as a way to get the general location of a vehicle, but the technology has become so advanced that this same GPS technology can give you the exact location of a vehicle anywhere in the world within a foot or two. The technology is also able to track moving vehicles and can determine exactly how fast a vehicle was traveling, where it traveled, and where it has been for up to a 10 day period at a time.

This technology was meant to deter theft and track down stolen vehicles, but recently it has been able to prove the innocence of drivers in speeding cases. That’s because this GPS technology has become so advanced and so accurate that is now acceptable and admissible as court evidence.

With the little “black box” similar to those used in a plane to record the pilots’ conversations and actions, the tracking in a vehicle can be downloaded and viewed on a computer with details such as location, average speed, and top speed.

GPS tracking technology is also great for tracking down your vehicle if it is stolen. If a thief steals your vehicle, you can use the tracking device to determine exactly where they are. With this information, you can alert the proper authorities and they should help you to locate your vehicle in a timely manner and quickly reclaim your vehicle and put your property back in your hand.

One of the great things about GPS technology is that it is a one-time fee. With most tracking devices you simply purchase the device, and you have lifetime access to GPS tracking devices. This is an attractive thing for users that do not want to pay a monthly rate or fee to track their vehicles. By using this type of technology in your vehicle, you can sometimes save on insurance rates because it is very unlikely that your vehicle will be stolen or that you will be unable to recover it after it is stolen.

There are many great reasons to have GPS tracking in your vehicle, and the benefits definitely outweigh the one-time cost of purchasing and installing the unit in your vehicle, and once you have a GPS tracking device in your car, you can rest easy with peace of mind and the assurance that your vehicle is being tracked and monitored to protect it for the life of your car.

Article Written by Chris Rummel

National Crime Information: 2010′s Most Stolen Vehicles

Admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:43:32 +0000

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) recently released 2010′s most stolen vehicle list. For the first time in 8 years, domestic cars are more favorable to thieves than foreign varieties. At the top of the list is 1994 Honda Accord, followed by 1995 Honda Civic, 1991 Toyota Camery, 1999 Chevrolet Pickup, 1997 Ford F150 Series, 2004 Dodge Ram, 2000 Dodge Caravan, 1994 Acura Integra, 2002 Ford Explorer, with the 1999 Ford Taurus at the tail end.

There are many different reasons that car theft occurs. Thieves will typically choose a car that has valuable parts, and is relatively easy to steal. Technology, such as GPS tracking, has resulted in a decrease in occurrences of car theft. 2010′s car theft numbers are predicted to be the fewest since 1967.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau have released some guidelines for a layered approach to car theft prevention. Following these steps can significantly reduce your risk of vehicle theft.

1. Don’t Make It Easy: This suggestion is common sense, almost to the point of insult. However, a staggering amount of car theft can easily be prevented with a little precaution on the part of the owner. Roll up your windows and lock all car doors when leaving your vehicle. Make sure you take your keys with you.

2. Put Up Red Flags: Equipping your car with an alarm is a huge red flag for potential thieves, that tells them you’re not an easy target. Something as simple as a little flashing light on your dashboard is often enough warning. Should the thief miss the flashing light, a loud alarm with flashing headlights will likely draw enough unwanted attention to run the criminal off.

3. Immobilize Your Vehicle: Most cars can be customized with immobilization devices, aimed to keep anyone but the owner from starting the car. Some of these devices include smart keys, fuel cut-offs and kill switches. If the car wont start, it can’t be stolen.

4. Use Tracking Technology: GPS tracking technology may be the most effective method of preventing and recovering stolen vehicles. If a thief sees that your vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking, he or she is not very likely to steal it. The main reason being that even if the car is successfully stolen, the police can easily track the property, and possibly arrest the thief red-handed with your stolen vehicle.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor

GPS Tracking and Lower Insurance Rates: Friend or Fraud?

Admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:37:09 +0000

You may have heard that having a GPS tracking device in your car can help lower your insurance rates, but it is not as simple as just having the location system in place. Since GPS units can track speeding, hard braking, heavy accelerating, and driving frequency, insurance companies can determine exactly how safe they think you are when it comes to driving and then set your rates accordingly.

For example, if you live in a suburban neighborhood but work in the heart of the city, your time spent in rush-hour traffic could be a deterring factor in the eyes of the insurance company because they equate less time in the car with safety. However, if you are a responsible teen trying to overcome the stereotype of a teenage driver in order to lower your insurance rate, then a GPS tracking system can help the insurer see your level of commitment to safe driving.

One unquestionable advantage to using GPS tracking in your vehicle for both you and your insurance company is the deterrent it is to car thieves. An insurance agent is more likely to give you a lower rate on your car if they know they can more easily retrieve a stolen vehicle rather than replace one, especially if you live in a highly populated area where statistics for stolen cars are elevated.

If you are a business with a fleet of vehicles, then GPS tracking can definitely help lower your insurance rates. Whether you are a utilities company, delivery service, or contractor, if you own multiple vehicles, you should consider installing a GPS tracking device on each vehicle. Not only does it encourage your drivers to practice safe driving habits, but it also shows the insurance company that you are serious about taking care of your business assets. Again, such location devices also act as a deterrent to potential car thieves and give the insurance companies peace of mind knowing they can track down a stolen company vehicle.

How much GPS tracking can help lower your insurance rates really lies in the hands of the insurance company. It is theirs to determine the perimeters of safety, and it is theirs to determine the ratio of adjustment. However, it is yours to drive safely and to use your GPS tracking as you deem best, be it for personal information or for information that the insurance company can use for or against you.

Article Written by Hillary Mayfield

Florida Car Theft Rates Lowest Since 1967

Admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:31:54 +0000

You’ve seen it on TV before: grainy black and white images of people stealing cars (or at least attempting to) while the cops sit back and watch it all transpire, awaiting the perfect moment to arrest them. That moment is usually when the ignition fails (all thanks to the ignition kill the police attach to the vehicle) and the car coasts to a stop, the thief in a panic.

This moment is very real, and thanks to the efforts of the Cape Coral Police Department and other counties in Florida, car theft rates haven’t been this low since 1967.

Authorities use a “bait vehicle” complete with camera and GPS tracking device. This vehicle usually ranks high on the stolen car list. Thieves often find these bait vehicles too tempting, which allows police to follow a thief’s every move. Eventually, thieves are apprehended, and police use this method of trapping car thieves as a warning to others. So far, this tactic has worked.

The bait car strategy has lowered the vehicle theft rate 31% in Charlotte County alone, which is a considerable amount.

This is good news for Florida car owners. Various cities and counties throughout Florida have long been car theft targets. Now, police (and citizens) have a way to fight back.

Article Written by Khristen Foss

Immobilzers No Match for Malaysian Car Smugglers

Admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:00:11 +0000

Despite being equipped with GPS trackers and immobilizers, 12.6 million dollars worth of vehicles (51 to be exact) were smuggled from Malaysia into Thailand. The five suspects who were arrested for the crimes used technology to disable the GPS devices before stealing them.

Now, Selangor police are faced with the tough task of finding the stolen cars to return them to their rightful owners. It appears Mercedes and BMW cars were car jacked, while the Toyota vehicles were stolen with no occupants (the cars were just sitting in their respective parking spaces or driveways).

How is it even possible to get a stolen car over the border?

This is blamed on loose regulations, with easily forged documents accepted to gain entry to Thailand, making it easy for thieves to escape with no questions asked. Officials are asking for new regulations to be put in place, which would require a bit more personal information to be checked in their system to be sure the person crossing is who he says he is. More importantly, it will identify discrepancies between the person crossing and the car owner.

Officials believe there are a few more perpetrators out there, but are confident they will be found. Until then, Malaysian residents must be on guard.

Article Written by Khristen Foss

Can GPS Lower Your Car Insurance Rates?

Admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 15:00:05 +0000

Car insurance rates can vary drastically, depending on state laws; year, make, model, and features of the car; age and sex of the driver; and insurance company. The best way to get the lowest rate is to hunker down and really research the options. Different features on the car have affected insurance rates for some time. When shopping for insurance, your agent will likely ask you if there is a sun or moon roof on the car, if there are passenger airbags, or if your seats are automatic. GPS tracking systems are one of the newer features added to the list of factors that affect insurance premiums.

It is common knowledge that teenage drivers have higher insurance premiums because they are less experienced, and perceived as less careful drivers. Statistics tend to correspond with this stereotype, and so insurance companies protect their liabilities by charging more for teen car insurance. There is good news for responsible teen drivers who can’t afford insurance rates based on assumptions of their driving skills. There are a number of insurance companies willing to collect individual data about drivers, using GPS tracking systems.

The very act of installing a GPS tracking system already gives insurance companies a reason to lower rates. It shows that the driver is willing to prove to the insurer that he or she follows traffic laws and drives cautiously. Anyone can claim that they are safe drivers and declare victimhood of unfair stereotypes. Willingness to be monitored shows an understanding of the risk the insurance company is taking on.

Again, thorough research is your best friend when looking into the best auto insurance policy. Many of the policies that offer GPS tracking as an option, will also use the data collected to raise insurance rates if the data shows unsafe driving habits. Read the policy and ask questions to find out the details of the plan, so you can better avoid the types of driving behaviors that send alerts to your insurance company. Let us know what you think. Is providing insurance companies with tracking data a good way to save on premiums or will increased visibility lead to higher rates for most people?

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor