Almost 130,000 vehicles were broken into or stolen between 2023 and 2024. However, these rates have decreased in the last year (at least for car theft or tampering), suggesting that a combination of police intervention and better security measures has helped combat this all too common crime.

Having a good-quality vehicle tracker is an excellent way to deter thieves, prevent auto theft, or, in an emergency, recover a stolen vehicle safely and efficiently.

This article explains how a vehicle tracking system works and which vehicles could benefit from trackers, helping you decide whether a tracker is right for you. 

How the system works 

GPS 

Vehicle trackers rely on the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is a network of satellites that orbit Earth and gather data and information relating to companies that use it. The tracker itself receives location information from these satellites about the vehicle to which it is attached. This happens in a process called ‘triangulation’, where the satellite measures the time it takes for different satellites to connect to the tracking device. This allows it to determine the device’s location or distance, even in real time. 

Accessing data 

As the tracker receives data from satellites, it sends all information to different platforms where the company or the customer can access it. For example, many trackers have mobile apps where you can access the location of your vehicle at all times. Alternatively, if you have a fleet tracker rather than a personal vehicle tracker, the fleet manager will have access to the entire fleet’s information. 

Installation process

Many companies will install the trackers for you, sometimes for free, because this process can be tricky and depends on the specific tracker and the vehicle it’s being installed on. Some trackers, however, may be easier to install, and you can do the process yourself. This is worth checking before purchasing or clarifying with the company you purchase it from. 

Trackers with immobilisers 

An immobiliser is an optional additional part of the tracker that prevents the vehicle from being hot-wired, meaning it cannot be started without the key or keycard being present. This is a great way to prevent theft in the first place. 

Different vehicle trackers

There are some key differences between trackers depending on what vehicle they are designed for, whether that is in terms of size or function. However, the main point of consideration for all vehicles is to check for labels that signify quality, like ‘Thatcham approved’, and for trackers that offer a range of benefits, such as real-time GPS tracking accessible on your phone or access to journey history. These perks can add extra security, reduce your stress and help you budget for journeys or be prepared for emergencies. 

The different types of vehicle trackers you will generally find are:

• Car 
• Van
• Motohome and Caravans
• Motorbikes or mopeds 
• Fleet vehicles or working machines (e.g. farm vehicles, lorries) 

Get the right tracker for your vehicle 

Trackers can offer many benefits to your overall vehicle ownership and appear to be making a difference in the decreasing crime rates seen this year. So, join the movement toward increased safety and protect your vehicles, whether they are for personal use or work use. 

To find the right GPS vehicle tracker, look for trusted and reliable sites that have a range of tracking products available for the different types of vehicles. Make sure to look out for labels like ‘Thatcham approved’ and read the benefits provided by various models or brands of trackers. Finally, if you need more advice, check whether the site offers it and feel free to contact them for more information.