Rocky Mountain Tracking

Daily GPS News

Car Thieves Strike Craigslist

July 11th, 2010

by Harriette Halepis

Source acquired via Newser, July 8, 2010 – Public warnings related to Craigslist are nothing new, but this time the warning is coming straight from the New York Police Department. The NYPD has been repeatedly warning the general public to be extra careful when allowing potential buyers to test drive listed cars. Savvy Craigslist listers are quickly finding out that GPS tracking devices can do more than track stolen goods – they can potentially save lives.

Craigslist and Auto Theft

The NYPD has picked up on a recent scam that many within the New York City (and other) area have fallen prey to. By contacting a Craigslist poster, thieves pretend to be interested in various listed automobiles. Then, upon asking to take a car for a test drive, the cars disappear entirely. Most of these vehicles wind up in chop-shops, and some are resold after identifying vehicle information has been altered.

In addition to simply taking a car for a test drive and never returning, the NYPD is also warning Craigslist posters about a new carjacking tool dubbed “the jiggler.” This tool can be inserted into certain ignitions causing a car to start up automatically. Once a thief notes the location of a Craigslist car for sale, this tool is frequently used to steal any unattended vehicle.

While it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on any car that is listed on Craigslist, it is not a good idea to go along for a test drive. Many thieves are armed and dangerous, and car owners may become injured if a thief decides to steal a car while an owner is present.

A safer option is to install a personal GPS tracking device inside of a vehicle. In the event that a vehicle is stolen, this device will lead owners and authorities directly to the automobile. Not only is a tracking key an effective way to find a stolen car, it’s also a great way to prevent an unsuspecting owner of becoming injured.

Houston Police Put On Demonstration

July 3rd, 2010

Car Safety

When discussing car safety and auto-theft protection many experts will usually discuss GPS tracking systems, car alarms or more simple steps such as parking a vehicle in the garage or locking doors. The experts will usually share statistics about the increase in car burglaries, and some helpful tips on how to prevent the problem.

GPS & Auto Theft

Taking a more hands-on approach to the problem with car-theft and burglary, the Houston Police Department decided to give people a demonstration on how quickly and efficiently the bad guys operate. With the assistance of State Farm Insurance, who provided the police a demo vehicle, the Houston Police staged a mock break-in.

How the demonstration worked was outside of city hall some city officials gathered in a parking lot. An officer, dressed as a civilian, played the role of a car burglar. As the pseudo car burglar approached the vehicle he tapped the passenger windshield with a tool that caused the window to spider web crack. This made little to no noise, surprising many of the people viewing the demonstration. The pseudo car burglar then quickly brushed away the glass and stole items that were inside the vehicle, showing the audience how quick and easy it is for a bad guy to enter a vehicle without causing a scene.

The Houston Police also stated that the car burglar could have easily hot-wired the vehicle and stole the automobile just as easily.

The point of the demonstration was to draw attention to the fact that in Houston nearly half of all burglaries are auto-related incidents. Car burglars will often spot laptops, computer equipment, GPS navigation devices or other valuables. They then target these vehicles late at night.

Although police have stated that it can be difficult to completely stop these acts of criminal behavior, they have expressed that the use of GPS tracking devices and car alarm systems can help prevent the likelihood of the vehicle being stolen.

Ryan Horban is a guest author who specializes in writing about GPS technology and monitoring devices for Tracking System Direct.

Stolen Vehicle? Relax – You Have a GPS Tracking Device!

June 28th, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

Thousands of vehicles are stolen each year, and only a handful of them are recovered. Many people are left with a stressful problem when their vehicle is stolen. Vehicular theft is a growing problem in many areas, and people are unaware of this problem, or they think that they are immune to this problem. Vehicles are commonly stolen, and they can be very difficult to locate. This epidemic is getting solved through vehicle recovery systems that allow vehicle owners to track their vehicle using state of the art GPS tracking technologies.

Stolen Vehicle & GPS

People love gps tracking technology, and some of the people that use it have testified that it has helped them recover their car when it was stolen. This technology uses satellites to find the position of your car, and can help pinpoint the location of your car to within just a few feet. With the help of gps satellite tracking, police can solve missing vehicles and criminals much faster.

Cars are stolen on a regular basis, and most people are left filling out paperwork with insurance companies for the cost of their missing vehicle. People that have vehicle recovery technology can use it to make this process quick and relatively painless. Many people fear this dreadful crime, but most believe that they are immune. Car thieves regularly steal high ticket cars that are very expensive, and this type of GPS tracking can save car owners time, money, and a large amount of stress.

GPS tracking has assisted people in recovering their vehicles within hours of losing them. This technology can help people that are in a tough situation, and being able to locate their asset quickly gives them peace of mind, and they would agree that this new and expanding technology is well worth it.

Truth in GPS – Your Discreet Private Eye

June 22nd, 2010

Trust is a difficult thing to come by. And all it takes is one mistake or misstep to lose that trust in someone…instantly. Sometimes that break in trust is simply a misunderstanding. If this is the case, the only way to fix it is with first-hand knowledge. As you seek to gain that first-hand knowledge, you may not want the other person to know that you are “investigating” them. One really easy way to investigate and gather information discreetly is by using a GPS tracking device. So whether it is a wayward teenager or a wandering spouse, you can easily find out what it is that they are “up to.”

GPS Tracking & Investigative Work

You will need a real time GPS tracking device that you can install on a car or on a person. The real time GPS tracking device can provide the exact location of the vehicle or person. The device can also show the travel route that the car or person is taking, as well as any stops made along the way. This feature is especially helpful to check on that teen or spouse’s story. Did your teenager really go to the library? Or did your spouse really work late every Thursday of the month? Use a GPS tracking device to help you find out the truth and regain trust.

GPS tracking devices operate with the help of satellites that are orbiting the earth every day. These satellites receive information from the GPS tracking devices, and they, in turn, send the information back to the owner and operator of the device. The owner of the device can check the location and the travel route of the device on any web enabled device like a cell phone or a computer. There are a few real time devices that are well known for their excellent performance, helpful features, and low cost.

The PT-200 by Rocky Mountain Tracking is one of these popular devices. It is small, portable, and it is easily hidden on any type of asset – person, vehicle, or an item of value. It also has the long battery live of between 10 to 21 days left on continuously. Another reputable device is the Smart Tracker. The Smart Tracker is intended only for use on vehicles, and you only pay for service when you need it. There are no activation fees, and it is one of the best trackers out there for vehicle recovery. You can definitely count on GPS tracking devices to give you the information you need to restore trust – discreetly.

5 Reasons You Need GPS in Your Car

May 20th, 2010

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

It’s not if you need a GPS tracking device in your car, but when you are going to get one. If that sounds like a stretch, then consider the following five reasons that you need to get one of these units in your car right now.

GPS Watching Your Cars

Road Safety

Safety on the road means being prepared for anything. Tracking systems allow your vehicle to be tracked to within a few feet of its actual location. Should you become involved in an accident, you can be found. If your vehicle becomes stolen, it can be tracked from a PC with an Internet connection. Take the bulls-eye off of your vehicle and replace it with a sticker that says “steal me and pay the price.”

Personal Security

Maps and GPS navigation units cannot tell you what neighborhoods to avoid, or where the next incidence of violence will take place. Why risk going to those locations? Even the geo-fencing option is worth the price. You can know if your vehicle has broken a pre-set boundary with this option.

Money Savings

Ever wonder how GPS devices can save money for you? Look to your insurance company for that information. Most will give you an allowance or lower your rates for having one installed in your vehicle. With insurance companies, the biggest threat to their business is high risk activities. Devices like these allow them to drastically lower their risk because if a vehicle is stolen, it can be recovered quickly which prevents them from having to pay out a huge claim because they can be repaired at a lower cost than totaling them out.

Parental Sanity

Want to know what the number one worry is for parents? It is the day their children get their drivers license and take the family car out. Will they drive safely? Will they go to questionable or restricted locations? The fears that they have may or may not be well-founded, but consider that the thoughts of their own teenage driving experiences add fuel to the fire. That is why more parents are turning to tracking devices for their vehicles. At least they can maintain knowledge of their whereabouts.

Consistency and Stability

Nothing allows you to make sure that your vehicles are being used properly by everyone who drives them like a tracking device. In fact, the debate about whether or not you should let others know of their existence is done. Let it be known by anyone who drives your cars that you have them installed and that they are being watched. It sends a message that everyone is treated the same and this provides a constant, stable environment in which driving becomes and important, serious task.

Now the doubts should be gone. You have great reasons to add a GPS tracking device to your vehicle. Go do it.

The One Safety Feature You Need in Your Next Vehicle

May 18th, 2010

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

A certain manufacturer of American vehicles includes a GPS tracking system on-board which provides many useful functions. These systems are usually subscription-free for the first year and then around $15.00 per month thereafter. Is it worth the cost? Just ask someone who has been in an accident and has been able to notify emergency agencies when the system is automatically activated after an emergency.

GPS Tracking for Automobiles

Does it have its downfalls? Of course, and you need to know what they are before you make a purchase decision.

On-board GPS Systems are dependent on a third party to make them fully functional. Unfortunately, you cannot bring up a web page and track your vehicle. You are depending upon the ‘central monitoring office’ to do that for you. And, unfortunately, it is not something that can be done instantly. There’s a series of checks that need to be instituted before tracking can be commenced. And, in that time, anything can happen. Dedicated tracking systems put you in control and allow you to make the best decisions from the data supplied.

On-board GPS Systems are only available on certain makes of vehicles. If you do not like this brand of vehicle, then there go your chances to get one of these systems. It cannot be retrofitted into any other make or model.

On-board GPS Systems are not user serviceable or able to be modified in any way. You cannot download apps or other software to this system to customize it and allow you to add functionality that you need. Smart phones are the best devices that allow this to be done.

On-board GPS Systems can be rendered inoperable by cutting power to the main battery of the vehicle. If a thief wants to steal your vehicle that has a system like this, then all that they need to do is cut power to the vehicle and then transport it to their chop shop. This is being done on a daily basis to the most expensive makes and models of this manufacturer.

On-board GPS Systems have some very useful functions and have played a positive role in helping accident victims to get help and in some cases have helped those who have had their vehicles stolen get them recovered quickly.

Dedicated GPS Tracking devices offer better benefits. Retrofitting to any vehicle, providing instant location and direction of travel and even including ignition cut-off are some of the best reasons to get one. Then, you can use your cell phone as your communications device of choice inside of your vehicle.

Lightning Fast Vehicle Recovery with GPS Trackers

March 20th, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

When a thief steals you car, he may get away with more than you think. In addition to your vehicle, any valuables, electronics or personal information you have in your car at the time of the theft becomes his property. The problem is that car thieves can prove to be elusive to law enforcement officials. Once your car is stolen, you have no idea where it is located and neither do the police, making vehicle recovery very difficult. Unless your vehicle is spotted, it may never be recovered or seen again.

GPS Tracking & Auto Theft

Perhaps the answer is a GPS tracking unit on your vehicle to aid in vehicle recovery in case of auto theft. Live GPS tracking function by installing a piece of hardware called a smart tracker in the vehicle. The user can track the smart tracker and the vehicle it is mounted on in real time by satellite using internet-based software. Images of the location of the vehicle are available on-demand in real time to the GPS tracking user. In the event of an auto theft, a few clicks in your web browser can display the exact location of your vehicle. Rich detailed images are available as well to help you pinpoint exactly where your vehicle is located and how it is being used.

On March 12^th, 2010, Andrew Wallace of Fontana, CA learned the value of GPS tracking in the incident of an auto theft. After his vehicle was stolen, he tracked it on his personal computer to a residential neighborhood. Mr. Wallace was able to see his vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence it had been taken too. He got the address of the house, called local law enforcement officials, and his vehicle was recovered within 6 hours of the time of the theft. Mr. Wallace had purchased a live GPS smart tracker from Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc and his vehicle recovery process after the theft was dramatically reduced.

Auto theft will happen and unless you are prepared, you could be a victim. Only about 63% of stolen vehicles are ever recovered. Auto thieves give no previous warning, and without a system in place for vehicle recovery, your vehicle may never be recovered. GPS trackers may be the solution you have been looking for to safeguard your vehicle. Your vehicle’s whereabouts will only be a few clicks away.

GPS Tracking Saves You Money

March 3rd, 2010

by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

Auto theft recovery efforts are aided by the use of GPS Tracking systems across the world. Even in the UK, recovery efforts in 2009 surpassed £12 million. We are talking about big dollars here in the United States as well.

GPS Tracking & Auto Theft

But, beyond big conglomerate numbers a GPS Tracking device can save you money. Here’s how:

Lower Insurance Rates

Did you know that many insurance companies provide a discount on your monthly premiums if you have a GPS Tracking device installed and in operation on your vehicle? It’s true and it makes sense because it lowers their risk and increases the chances of you getting your car back sooner if it becomes stolen.

These days, no one knows how much risk they are at and the best thing to do is to be ready for anything. GPS Tracking provides you with a measure of security and peace of mind that you might not otherwise have. Burying your head in the sand and pretending that you are not at risk is no longer an option.

Better Maintenance Monitoring

Everyone can watch their odometer and see when it is time to take their vehicle in for maintenance but, what about the terrain over which you drive your car or truck? Simple monitoring of miles driven does not take that into consideration. Watching your driving routes on a PC screen with your GPS Tracking unit will help in this effort. Being mindful of the terrain and other elements in which you drive helps you better gauge the frequency of your maintenance intervals.

Watching Vehicle Usage

Do others in your family drive your vehicle? If so, you can monitor their location, destination and speed. This helps you curb destructive driving practices and enforces rules that you set forth about the use of your car or truck. This is great for parents of teenage drivers. It also provides a measure of security when teens venture out on their own.

You need to be ever vigilant in making sure that your vehicles can last as long as possible. Economic conditions demand that cars are kept longer than they used to be. Using the above three methods will help you in this effort.

Rocking Mountain Tracking has the best line-up of GPS Tracking devices to meet any need. Take a look at their products and options for the best fit for your business. You will find knowledgeable sales persons in helping you get the best unit to meet your requirements.

Car Tracking Helps Your Family

February 23rd, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

Most people think that tracking devices are just an infringement on their personal rights. While this may sometimes be true, it is more commonly used to protect and help people. Some of the more common uses for car tracking devices are to track teenagers and spouses while they travel. There are more accidents occurring every day than ever before and teens are often charged with negligent driving due to peer pressure and a lack of driving skills. Whether your teen fits these criteria, or whether he is a safe driver, car tracking may be the answer to protecting your child, or even other family members as they travel.

Family & GPS Car Tracking

GPS tracking is a relatively new technology that has come out on the market. There are several sorts of tracking devices that offer a variety of solutions to any problem. The basic device is usually small and can be easily hidden, but varies according to each individual need. Once the device is activated, it begins recording data or transmitting it to a series of satellites, that then relay the information to a central receiving computer. This computer is monitored by groups of technicians that can then pass on the time, location, and speed of the GPS monitor.

Google is currently monitoring a streetcar that is located in the city of Berlin. This experiment offers the world an opportunity to see GPS tracking at its finest. The European Commission is pushing for much higher standards on tracking units and is trying to make pinpoint tracking a possibility. GPS tracking continues to evolve and will continue to have an influence on the world as its endless opportunities are explored. The plan is to eventually create units that can give more compact directions with fewer possibilities of getting their owners lost or delayed. The United States has even begun a smart car program in the city of Austin that will allow Americans to experience the possibilities of GPS car tracking.

Regardless of the options available, GPS tracking has and will continue to improve over time. With GPS units becoming smaller, the data received has continued to grow and expand. Car tracking is becoming a commonplace event, whether legally or illegally. Help your teenager or spouse drive safely on the road no matter what circumstances they face. Find out how GPS tracking can help you and your family as you continue into the future.

The Best Uses for GPS Tracking

February 9th, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

There are many different uses of GPS tracking in the world today. Almost anyone can purchase and use a GPS, although there are different types available, depending on your needs. There are basically two different types of GPS systems. The first type of GPS tracking is passive, while the other is active. Passive tracking occurs when the GPS unit itself records and keeps the data that it receives from the vehicle or person that it is tracking. This information can later be downloaded and processed onto a computer. The other type of tracking is active, which means that the information the GPS unit is receiving is continually passed along to a computer, which then records and analyzes the data.

GPS Tracking

An active GPS tracking unit can work in a variety of ways, although the most popular tends to be via satellite. This means that the unit is attached to an object and when it is turned on, it begins transmitting radio waves, which pass along to a series of satellites. These waves can determine a variety of things, such as the speed of the object, the location, the height or depth, the current status of the object, and many other factors. Each GPS unit is good for different things. The satellites receive this information, which they then pass along to a central computer system located somewhere in the world. Technicians that work with these computers then record the data and pass it along as needed.

GPS tracking is now used even to track people, although there are legal issues involved, depending upon whom you are trying to track. People can be tracked through their cell phones, their personal GPS unit, or even through their car. Electronics are a popular way to track someone down, while credit cards are a non-GPS way of finding who you want. One county in Texas has even begun a program that requires truant teenagers to carry a GPS for a specific number of weeks. Once these teens have been admitted to court, there is a stringent schedule they must follow in order to avoid going to jail. Other places have used GPS tracking for criminals, and some people are seeking to have more liberties while maintaining the perpetrator in custody. Whatever the case may be, GPS tracking continues to evolve and becomes better every day. Make sure you understand all about this new technology.