A GPS tracker can’t prevent somebody from stealing your car, but it can provide valuable information when a vehicle is moved unexpectedly or goes missing.
The ability to check where your vehicle is, receive alerts and look back at previous journeys can give you extra reassurance whether your car is at home, at work or parked somewhere unfamiliar.
How can a GPS tracker help if your car is stolen?
A GPS vehicle tracker uses satellite positioning together with a mobile data connection to send its location to a tracking platform.
Once a tracker is fitted, you can view your vehicle’s location using your phone, tablet or computer. If the car is moved without your knowledge, this can help you identify where it is and provide useful location information to the police.
GPS tracking is best viewed as another layer of vehicle security rather than a replacement for locks, alarms, immobilisers or other security measures.
What can a GPS vehicle tracker tell you?
Depending on the tracker and how it has been configured, useful features can include:
Live location
See where your vehicle is through the tracking platform.
Movement and other alerts
Receive notifications when specified activity is detected, which can help you notice something unusual sooner.
Geofences
Set a virtual boundary around a location and receive an alert when the vehicle enters or leaves it.
Journey history
Look back at previous journeys, including where the vehicle travelled and when.
Used together, these features make it much easier to monitor a vehicle without physically checking it.
Can a GPS tracker prevent car theft?
No tracker can guarantee that a car will not be stolen.
The primary role of GPS tracking is to give you information about the vehicle’s location and activity. It therefore works particularly well as one part of a broader approach to vehicle security.
For example, steering locks and manufacturer-fitted security systems can help deter theft, while GPS tracking gives you visibility of the vehicle itself.
Where should a GPS tracker be fitted?
A hardwired GPS tracker can be installed discreetly inside a vehicle and connected to its electrical supply.
Installing the device out of obvious sight can reduce the chance of it being noticed or interfered with. Requirements differ between vehicles and trackers, so the manufacturer’s fitting instructions should always be followed.
At Global Trackers, our hardwired vehicle trackers use devices manufactured by Teltonika, a specialist manufacturer of professional GPS and IoT equipment.
Is GPS tracking only useful for cars?
Not at all.
GPS tracking can be useful for many kinds of vehicles and powered assets, including vans, motorhomes, motorcycles and business vehicles.
For businesses, the same technology can also make it easier to monitor vehicles, plant and equipment spread across different locations.
Choosing the right GPS tracker
Which tracker is right for you will depend on what you need to monitor, where it will be installed and how much protection the tracker itself requires.
For instance, a standard hardwired tracker may suit an installation inside a car or van, whereas vehicles or equipment exposed to more demanding conditions may benefit from a more rugged, water-resistant device.
If you’re unsure which option is suitable for your vehicle, we’re happy to help you choose.
Simple vehicle tracking from Global Trackers
Global Trackers provides GPS tracking for private vehicle owners and businesses across the UK.
Our tracking service provides useful location information, alerts and journey history through one straightforward platform, with a multi-network M2M SIM and data included.
There is one simple subscription of £5.99 per month per tracker, with no contract.
Tracking made easy. Support that makes the difference.