Tracking system could solve classic cases

Classic car owners have been warned to increase security for their vehicles, with car crime in Britain jumping up by eight per cent in just a year.

More than 81,000 vehicles were stolen last year, while rising values and a shortage of parts make classics a particular target, according to stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER.

Head of police liaison at TRACKER, and a former Chief Superintendent for South Yorkshire Police, Andy Barrs said, ‘Classics from the 1980s are appreciating in value, making them hot-ticket items for car criminals. Since the majority of modern classics lack the sophisticated identification markings of newer vehicles, vehicle identities are much easier to alter, thus making them harder to trace.   Despite owners having lovingly restored their pride and joy, many fail to protect them with a tracking device, significantly reducing the chances of being reunited with the car in the event of it being stolen.

‘Even more heart-breaking for owners, is the fact that the majority of stolen classic cars will be stripped down for parts, unless they are tracked and recovered within the first 24 hours of being stolen. Hotspot theft areas tend to be in the South East, due to the speed at which vehicles can be moved to ports such as Felixstow and Dover, and then shipped to Europe and beyond.

‘Many classic cars are not for everyday use, with owners commonly keeping them in storage for long periods of time. This gives thieves the perfect opportunity to steal them while owners assume their vehicle is safe, locked away and out of sight.’

TRACKER’s battery-powered unit uses technology that does not rely on the vehicle’s battery in order to operate. Instead, it has a self-contained and hidden power source, which makes it hard to find.

Andy continued, ‘We strongly advise classic car owners to choose a tracking system that provides a more resilient solution and, better still, one that delivers multiple means of location and communication. TRACKER’s SVR systems use unique VHF technology, offering motorists effective safeguards against theft, even if the GPS does fail. Alarms, engine immobilisers and the new DNA invisible markings can all be wise investments too.’