Trace tech, tracking system

[toucan]

I am having a tracking system fitted to my GSA at BMW. In SA lots of vehicles are donated to the "Wealth Redistribution Program". Some people install tracking devices that let you know where your vehicle is. Different systems exist but the Trace Tech is installed by BMW (so it must be good????).
Some use the GSM network and others use satellites (GPS?).

Do you guys have any similar systems in the civilised world?

 

[doubleR]

Quite a few companies in the UK designing and manufacturing tracking systems, some combining both GPS and GSM. Additions include route planning, shipment information and Big Brother info (some systems are fitted to company cars without the employee knowing).
Vehicles are tracked by a call centre (for stolen vehicle tracking) although several systems allow you the user to track your vehicle from your PC.

My car was stolen a few years back (original Volvo T5R), it was fitted with tracker, a stolen vehicle monitoring system. The car was used in 2 armed robberies but oddly the Police just couldn’t find it, although they knew it had been used to transport a safe. I found it, a burnt out shell at the edge of the Fens. The engine and wheels did melt but the tracker was complete and unharmed in the rear of the car. So not much use in my opinion

 

[Fanum]

Tracker is only any good if the vehicle comes in range of a detector.....these are either in a lot of plod cars, on some bikes, in helicopters and at all ports.........I believe the range goes up to about 5 miles with a helicpopter but i can't remember exactly (used to sell them when i worked for TOAD).


SO out on the fens, if the car hadn't come within range, it couldn't have been found by tracker.....

Once they are detected though, the system is superb and has excellent recovery rates......and if they'd tried to take the car abroad , it'd have been detected (huge market for stolen top of the range 4x4's going to the middle east)

 

[doubleR]

The car was stolen in St Ives and used in Cambridge - very good coverage.
I had an off the record chat with a 'friend' who advised they knew where the car was after the 1st robbery (in which they battered an offy owner with a baseball bat). They felt the car would lead them to the crim's.
I knew something was wrong when I received conflicting reports from Tracker staff, so decided to follow it up.

Never had one since. Nose, spite and face come to mind though.