Rocky Mountain Tracking

Daily GPS News

GPS Tracking Devices in the Auto Industry

February 6th, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

Difficult economic times place everyone in a situation of having to watch their spending more closely, protect their assets more carefully, and make sacrifices in day to day living. Small business owners must work even harder to make sales and make sure customers don’t default on payments. One industry that has been particularly hard hit is the auto sales industry. Fewer people are buying cars, and more are unable to make payments after losing a job or seeing a pay decrease at work. If you own a Buy Here, Pay Here car lot and you’re worried about losing your stock if a customer defaults, then you may want to consider purchasing a GPS tracking device for the cars you sell.

Buy Here Pay Here & GPS

GPS tracking is becoming more and more versatile all the time. One option now available that can benefit independent car lot owners is a smart tracking device. When you purchase the device, you can add it to the cars in your lot while leaving the tracking capabilities deactivated. When a customer leases or finances the vehicle, the tracking device stays with the car. Many car dealerships already offer customers a free oil change or service package at the end of the lease or finance agreement, so when they bring the car in for service, you can remove the tracking device at the same time. The benefit of the smart tracker is that you can activate it only when you need it, pay for just one day of use, and avoid monthly service fees. If, for instance, a customer defaults on his loan and fails to return the vehicle, you can activate your GPS tracking device in order to find the car immediately.

Not only will the smart GPS tracking device protect you from customers who default on their agreements, but you’ll also be protected against stolen vehicles. While vehicle theft overall has decreased over the past five years, still, the cost in stolen vehicles during 2008 was $6.4 billion. By taking the initiative to install a GPS tracking device in the cars for sale on your lot, you can protect yourself from significant losses. No one can afford to lose even one car to auto theft when the average cost of a stolen vehicle is over $6,000.

Your business stands between you and unemployment. Don’t let auto theft be the deciding factor in whether your business survives or fails. GPS tracking can give you the advantages you need to make sure you not only make it through the economic crisis, but that your business continues to thrive.

GPS Tracking Your Vehicle

February 2nd, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

A car is left running, keys in the ignition, purse on the front seat, while the owner returns her shopping cart to the store. She doesn’t know that the man she just passed in the parking lot has been watching customers go in and out of the store, waiting for just the scenario she provided. By the time she turns around, the man is already pulling out onto the road with her car, her keys, her cell phone, and her purse. If you think this couldn’t happen to you, consider that over six billion dollars worth of stolen autos are reported each year. GPS tracking can prevent you from becoming the next victim.

GPS & Auto Theft

But, you say, I don’t drive an expensive car. I drive an older model that’s not likely to be a target for theft. I lock my doors and I never leave the keys in the car. Statistics demonstrate that older, reliable cars such as the Accord, Camry, and Civic are among the most stolen cars in America and the vast majority of drivers take safety precautions. But thieves are still making off with billions of dollars in stolen vehicles each year. Recovery is difficult, because car thieves know how to remove identifying marks such as license plates and VIN numbers, making it almost impossible to identify a particular car accurately. But law enforcement officers say that cars with a GPS tracking device installed can be recovered much more easily. Because the device can give the exact location of the car, officers can locate your vehicle and apprehend the thief immediately, rather than spending time and manpower to track your car down and watch the suspect.

Many GPS tracking models are available as small magnetic units that can be attached inconspicuously to your vehicle. While the thief thinks he’s getting away with the goods, police can track him and begin recovery procedures just minutes after you’ve reported the theft.

While it’s true that you may never be the victim of auto theft, investing in GPS tracking for your vehicle is still a good idea. You can monitor fuel consumption and speed with the device as well, information which can be useful if you have a teen driver in your home or you just want to be more environmentally conscious. And if you should ever discover that your car isn’t where it’s supposed to be, you’ll know that your GPS tracking device is on the job, working to protect you from serious financial loss.

How GPS Tracking Can Help Car Dealers

January 18th, 2010

by James Neely, freelance writer

With many families struggling to make monthly payments, some used car dealers that finance their own sales have seen their losses increase in the last few years. One of the ways they are fighting back is with the installation of GPS Tracking devices in each vehicle they sell.

Used Car Dealers and GPS Tracking

The popularity of the “buy here, pay here” dealers has gone up because they require little if any credit pre-qualification in order to drive off of the lot with a vehicle. This leaves them vulnerable to those who stop making payments and then skip out or hide the vehicle.

GPS Tracking devices are the consummate answer to this problem. Here’s how:

Location is King

If a customer falls behind on payments, it triggers a red flag in the business that there might be a problem. Rather than letting it go, these dealers need to be proactive in finding out of there is a problem. It might be something that can be resolved and get the customer back on their payment schedule. But, it might be indicative that there is a long-term problem and that they are going to have to make a decision whether or not to re-possess the vehicle.

If the later is the case, location is all important, because if the customer refuses to comply, then they might be forced to obtain the vehicle without the compliance of the customer. GPS Tracking devices like the Smart Tracker allow the dealer to locate the vehicle quickly and track it while it is moving if needed.

Low Cost Options

This GPS Tracking device is less than $200 which makes it easy to cost-justify. And, with a Smart Tracker there are no monthly fees until the device is activated as needed. You can even add an internal battery backup to the unit which can be done for just a few dollars. It makes the decision to purchase easier than ever.

Control and Flexibility

The GPS Tracking Smart Tracker puts you in charge of your inventory of vehicles that are still being financed. Once the finance period is over, you can offer a free oil change so that the device can be removed and used on another vehicle.

This means that you have full control and flexibility when it comes to making sure that your business is profitable. And that is very important in the economy in which we find ourselves.

Car Thieves Get Sophisticated

January 8th, 2010

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

This is not a story about how GPS Tracking cracked a ring of auto thieves, but rather, reaffirmation of how they could have helped. From Indianapolis comes a story about five men who have been arrested in a multi-state fake title scam that found them stealing expensive cars and then working the system to get new Vehicle Identification Numbers and titles in order to hide the fact that the vehicles were stolen. This activity caught the attention of both state and federal investigators but had been going on since 2007.

Car Thieves and GPS Tracking

The moral of the story is two-fold: Stealing never pays and second, GPS Tracking could have helped find and crack this ring sooner rather than later.

OEM Tracking Fails?

How is it that some of the vehicles that were stolen by this group which were outfitted with OEM tracking devices failed to help recover the vehicles? It could be that they were new and the devices were never activated. Too bad, too, because this is an important instance in which they were sorely needed. But, even better than that, GPS Tracking devices could have been added to these vehicles that sat on a car lot and provided instant location information from the first day they were stolen.

GPS Shines

Providing location, direction of travel and speed information helps owners of vehicles be able to give information to authorities should their car, truck or SUV become stolen. And, police agencies would much rather locate stolen vehicles within days rather than have them become open and unsolved cases that sit in a file cabinet for months or years.

Look, protecting your vehicle is more important than ever to keep from having to go through a long protracted ordeal in trying to get your car back. Or in finding that it has been stolen and is never found again. Sure, the insurance company will pay for it after your deductible, but it still is a major headache.

You can take security and safety into your own hands with GPS Tracking devices. No matter what you drive it can be outfitted with a unit and tracked to insure that you can recover it quickly should something happen.

Here’s to hoping that theft is only something that you read about, or hear on radio or television. You can by making GPS Tracking a part of your life.

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.

GPS Vehicle Tracking Aids Reduction in Auto Theft

January 7th, 2010

By Greg Bartlett

Some parts of the country are seeing a dramatic decline in auto thefts this season thanks to the use of GPS vehicle tracking. Auto thefts tend to increase during times of economic downtown and thieves target a broader range of vehicles since they are looking to unload cars to buyers who may not be able to pay top dollar for pricier models. This season, however, would-be car thieves may find an unexpected surprise waiting for them after they’ve nabbed their prize.

GPS Tracking Thwarts Theft

Police departments have increasingly turned to GPS vehicle tracking to help them with monitoring suspected criminal activity. Many departments now use “bait cars,” which are cars equipped with GPS vehicle tracking that are specifically chosen to attract car thieves. Officers place them at mall and shopping center parking lots and when the car is stolen, the GPS tracking device can lead officers directly to the thief. Some cars are also equipped with hidden audio and video recorders which capture the thieves in action.

So far, the idea has provided excellent results. One city reported a twenty-eight percent drop in auto theft this year as compared to last year. Some departments have also used the technology at car and motorcycle shows when thefts tend to escalate due to the large number of vehicles in town. The devices work by sending a signal from the transmitter inside the car to a police department computer. A single officer can monitor the locations of all the bait cars in the area, and as soon as a car is stolen, officers can be dispatched to the scene to stop the theft. Police can see not only the location of the car, but also its speed and direction of travel, allowing them to intercept the driver quickly and accurately.

Many police departments also report significant savings by using GPS vehicle tracking to monitor potential theft rather than using actual officers. Because the cars can be monitored remotely, fewer officers need to be out on surveillance and can instead be used in more critical positions, allowing the department to save money by not keeping officers on the clock for situations that turn out to be a false alarm.

GPS vehicle tracking gives officers the upper hand in the case of vehicle theft and allows them to be a step ahead of the thief. By utilizing the technology available, they can make sure more citizens enjoy their holiday with family and friends without becoming victims of auto theft.

Car Tracking

December 28th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Whether it’s a parent tracking down a mischievous teenage driver, or a group of law enforcement officers tracking down a criminal, car tracking can be extremely helpful in a variety of ways. It can track a moving car via satellite to within a few feet. It is able to determine every move a runaway criminal makes as soon as he makes it. If we had car tracking installed in our cars, it would simplify life, and solve many problems.

GPS & Car Tracking

Car tracking is an electronic device that is installed into a vehicle. The device can record the distance travelled, the speed travelled, the direction and locations travelled to, and certain trigger events such as turning the car on or off, or opening and closing doors.

There are two types of this technology. The first type is passive tracking. In this method of tracking, the electronic device is removed after the car is done travelling and it is able to determine where the car has been. The second type is active tracking, and this generally produces a live feed of the data via a cellular or satellite device.

Every parent with a teenager knows what it feels like to say goodbye to their child and watch him speed off. Some parents have relied on car tracking to monitor their children’s driving habits. Many teens feel like they have to drive more slowly now that their parents can view every move they make. It also is extremely helpful in making sure that their kids are in the right place. Knowing that their kids are where they say they will be provides a level of trust for the parents, and with this device some parents give teenagers more privileges. Teens like the idea too because it helps them show that they can be mature, and are capable of being trusted by their parents. GPS tracking is used to monitor the location of the vehicle, and cutting edge technology enables the device to record and store the desired data.

GPS technology is becoming increasingly more advanced each year. This new technology is helpful in chasing criminals when used by police officers, and in keeping teenage drivers safe on the roads. Whether it is the police tracking down a criminal, or a nervous parent checking up on a reckless teen, car tracking may be the solution that is capable of making our roads a safer place.

Lucky Find – No GPS Tracker Help Here

December 22nd, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

A few months ago, my brother-in-law’s car disappeared. It vanished in the middle of the night, right out of his apartment’s parking lot. He walked out in the morning to find an empty parking space and no way to get to work. Apparently, it is quite easy to break the lock with a good flathead screwdriver. The Honda Accords of that year are the second most stolen car in North Carolina. He thought that the car was gone for good. The cops were helpful. “Yeah, we won”t find it. It’s probably turned into parts by now. They just love those things. You just spent $200 on brand-new tires last week? Wow. They’re gonna love that.” The insurance company was equally encouraging by offering them a little sympathy and a car-theft plan for their next vehicle.

A few weeks later he had resigned himself to life without his car. But, he still had this obsession with checking out every beige Honda Accord that drove by. One day he went to a restaurant with a friend only two miles from his house. He told his friend about his obsession and then proceeded to check out yet another beige Honda sitting in the parking lot. It was his car.

GPS Tracking & Your Car

It’s nice to have stories with happy endings, but unfortunately, car thefts don’t usually end that way. The cops had a reason for saying what they did and owners usually do have an obsession for a couple of months or a year. And then they move on.

But recently, some other owners have had better luck finding their cars, but not by checking out the local fast food restaurants, but with car tracking devices. This new technology lets you find out where your car is whether the driver wants you to or not. So let’s imagine a different outcome: Say that last year I gave my brother-in-law a car tracking device for Christmas. He thinks I’m strange but installs it in his trunk anyway. Half-way through the year he’s calling me, thanking me for getting him his car back because I had enough foresight and knew a little bit about car tracking devices. About then, I’m feeling really good.

Oh well. I should have thought about it last year. But it’s not too late to get a car tracking device for all my relatives this year. My guess is that my brother-in-law would be really happy to have one about now.

Vehicle Tracking Devices and Car Thieves

December 13th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Since the development of vehicle tracking devices, car rental companies have been protecting their fleet with GPS technology. These systems allow them to keep track of all of their cars as they travel around the country. Vehicle tracking devices are also very useful for protecting cars from theft or locating them after they are stolen.

Vehicle Theft & GPS

Unfortunately, car thieves are discovering ways to get around these vehicle tracking devices. In fact, they are beginning to use GPS tracking devices as well, taking advantage of the decreasing prices of real time GPS trackers. One of the latest tactics of car thieves is to rent a car, copy the key, and hide a vehicle tracking system inside. This allows them to track the movements of the car until they can hijack the vehicle. By tracking rental cars around the country, car thieves can steal cars with relatively low gas mileage when they are parked in high traffic areas like airports and theme parks.

A man in Japan was arrested last year for stealing eight cars using this method. He had installed real time vehicle tracking devices in cars that his two ex-wives would rent for him. Although the man was caught and prosecuted, law enforcement officers are concerned with what car thieves can do using vehicle tracking devices.

Although the use of vehicle tracking devices to steal cars may become more popular in the coming years, there are several ways for people to prevent this from happening. First, car rental companies should carefully inspect vehicles when they are returned. A very thorough inspection is needed, since vehicle tracking devices are meant to be hidden. Good places to look are seat pockets, inside car bumpers, and under the dashboard, although there are many other good hiding places. The purchase of a GPS tracking detector would also be helpful to make sure that a device does not go undetected.

People who rent vehicles should also take measures to protect themselves. It is important to talk with the rental company to see if they use GPS tracking systems for security and fleet management. This will allow you to know where the device is placed to assure you that a potential thief has not placed a tracking device in the vehicle. If the rental company does not track their vehicles with GPS trackers and one is found in the vehicle, let the rental company know immediately.

Which Way Did Your Car Go?

December 4th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

My mom recently got a GPS tracking device, and she loves to use it every time she drives. She likes the way the device keeps track of her trips, highlights the roads she’s driven on, and even notes any stops she’s made.

GPS Navigation

A GPS tracking device can be practical as well as fun. My mom likes to use hers to just see where she’s been, but many people use GPS vehicle tracking units for other purposes, such as fleet tracking, checking up on teens or spouses, and even helping protect the car from theft.

If your car is stolen despite the typical precautions you take, such as locking the doors, a GPS vehicle tracking device may be able to save your car from being dismantled for parts. Statistics show that cars are delivered to chop shops or stolen car fences fairly quickly, so every minute can count if your car is stolen. A GPS vehicle tracking unit will be able to show you and the police exactly where your car is at any time. Police can then follow the car to where it and the car thieves are located.

For instance, a construction company recently had two of its trucks stolen. Because the owner used GPS tracking, police were able to find not only the trucks, but also the places where the car thieves stored other stolen property. One family bought a new car, and both it and their former car were taken at gunpoint from their driveway. Police followed the cars to their location, arresting the thieves and returning the cars to their proper owners.

On Thanksgiving Day, a new Mercedes was stolen in California, and the thieves also burglarized the house while the family was out. However, the owners had installed a GPS tracking device in their new car, so police followed the car to the motel where the couple, who are apparently responsible for a number of burglaries and thefts through two counties, were arrested.

Help protect your car by purchasing a GPS vehicle tracking device. Yes, it will also be enjoyable to use, if you’re anything like my mom, but even more, the ability to track exactly where your car has been, what stops it has made, its speed, and most importantly, where it is right now can help give you peace of mind, knowing that you can recover your car if it is ever stolen.

GPS Tracking Deters Carjackers

November 24th, 2009

By Greg Bartlett

Vehicle theft always causes distress and fear for the owner of the stolen car, and savvy car owners are beginning to realize the value that a GPS tracking device can offer by keeping them apprised of the whereabouts of their vehicle at all times. The stakes are raised, however, when the situation evolves from simple car theft into carjacking. With carjacking, the stolen vehicle is occupied, and the perpetrator often becomes violent. Thieves who resort to carjacking usually do so in the heat of the moment because they are fleeing the scene of a crime or because they know they won’t have to damage the car in the process. They can get away with the vehicle intact and with the keys in their possession.

Carjacking & GPS

The advent of GPS tracking, however, has put the brakes on carjackings across the nation. More and more would-be thieves have begun to realize that the possibility of being caught in possession of a stolen vehicle increases exponentially when a GPS tracking device has been installed. With no way of knowing which cars are equipped and which are not, many car thieves would rather not take the risk.

A GPS tracking device allows owners to keep tabs on their vehicles remotely at any time. The transmitter sends a signal at specified intervals to a receiving device or home computer. The owner can log on at any time and in the event of a car theft, can see exactly where the car is and in what direction it is moving. In the case of carjackings, police can immediately locate the vehicle and dispatch an officer to begin recovery procedures. The standard advice for victims of carjackings has been to cooperate with the criminal in the hopes of escaping unscathed, even if he gets the vehicle. Many car owners are reluctant to do so, however, in light of the expense of purchasing a new vehicle. The cost becomes less of a deterrent, however, when owners know the car is protected with a GPS tracking device. Recovery rates for GPS equipped vehicles are significantly higher than those for cars without.

Carjackings are terrifying experiences for victims, but with a GPS tracking device installed in the car, they will be less likely to try and save the car and can focus on escaping without harm. Knowledge of the existence of GPS technology can deter some would-be criminals and allow police officers to apprehend more thieves to protect our communities.