Anti-theft GPS trackers are always advancing, staying one step ahead of tech-savvy car thieves to save you the stress and financial strain of a stolen car. Whether you want to keep your family car protected or manage a large fleet of commercial vans, let’s dive into how you safeguard your car security device & prevent car theft.
Is Vehicle Theft Still a Problem in the UK?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 129,159 vehicles were stolen in the UK between 2023-2024. Not only that, but police reports show that the great majority of car thefts are never solved.
This just goes to show that, even though car trackers are getting smarter, so are car thieves. Instead of hot-wiring or brute-forcing access, they now use advanced technologies like key cloning, relay attacks, and signal jamming, allowing them to bypass some of the more modern security systems.
Stolen cars usually get stripped and sold quickly, leaving no trace – this makes real-time GPS tracking and alerts non-negotiable, to ensure you can recover your car before it’s too late.
Anti-Theft GPS Trackers – A Modern Solution
Anti-theft GPS trackers are a real game-changer in the world of car security devices – learn more about them below.
How Do GPS Trackers Work?
At its core, a GPS tracker uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) network to pinpoint your vehicle’s exact location. It then transmits this data via cellular networks (like the ones your phone uses) to an app on your smartphone or a dedicated monitoring service. This means you can see where your car is in real-time, whether it’s parked outside your house or on the move.
Can A GPS Tracker Be Blocked?
The honest answer is: potentially, yes. Thieves are becoming increasingly aware of anti-theft devices and sometimes employ “jammer” devices that disrupt GPS and cellular signals. If a tracker relies solely on these signals, a jammer could temporarily blind it, giving thieves a window to escape with your vehicle undetected. Thankfully, there are ways to counter this.
How To Prevent Car Security Devices From Being Disabled
This is where smart choices and strategic installation come into play. You can significantly improve your vehicle security and reduce the risk of a thief successfully disabling your tracker by making sure you:
1. Choose a Tracker with Anti-Disabling Features
When investing in a GPS tracking device, look for models that go beyond basic tracking. Advanced anti-theft trackers like our Pandora Smart Pro also come with extra features like:
- Tamper alerts that immediately alert you if they are disconnected, unplugged, or physically tampered with.
- Real-time tracking & push notifications through a mobile app if your alarm or any sensors get triggered, or if the car leaves your designated area
- Anti-hijack technology that uses remote control to quickly shut down the vehicle
- Encrypted Bluetooth ID tags that can resist modern hacking attempts
Not only do these features minimise the risk of your tracker being disabled, but they also increase the chances of vehicle recovery if your car gets tampered with in any way.
2. Go For Stealthy & Secure Installation
The simpler your car anti-theft device is to find, the easier it is to disable.
Avoid obvious spots like the OBD-II port. Think deep within the dashboard, under carpeting, or even within engine bay components (properly weatherproofed, of course). We recommend professional installation (like the one we do at Motorguard), done by experts who know the best discreet locations.
Professional installers will also make sure the tracker is hardwired directly into your vehicle’s electrical system, with all connections professionally sealed and concealed. This makes it much harder for a thief to simply snip a wire.
3. Use Vehicle Monitoring Alerts
Some trackers come with geo-fencing features, which allow you to set up virtual boundaries around your home, work, or other frequent locations. If your vehicle moves outside these “fences” without your permission, you’ll get an instant alert.
Make sure your notification settings are active, and don’t ignore anti-theft alerts – the quicker you respond, the quicker you’ll recover your vehicle.
Beyond Car Theft Protection – Added Benefits Of GPS Trackers
An anti-theft GPS tracker isn’t just about preventing car theft. It comes with added benefits such as:
- Insurance discounts – many insurers offer reduced premiums for vehicles fitted with approved tracking devices.
- Fleet management – use your trackers to get invaluable insights into vehicle location, usage, and efficiency.
What May Help Deter A Thief From Stealing Your Car
A highly advanced GPS tracker is the best protection against car theft, but you shouldn’t just rely on it without following standard vehicle safety measures. To deter possible theft attempts, make sure you:
Double-Check Your Car Is Locked
While this may seem obvious, you should still make sure your vehicle is actually locked before walking away.
Park In Safe Places
Try to park in well-lit, open public spaces, or in car parks covered by CCTV.
Keep Belongings Out Of Sight
Don’t leave coats, bags, or parcels out in plain sight, as they could be enough to tempt someone to break in.
Keep Documents At Home
Avoid keeping important documents in your car or any form of identification. Double-check that everything from your logbook or service records to letters, bank statements, and more is not stored in your car, as they can make it easier for your car to get sold or leave you vulnerable to identity fraud.
Secure Your Vehicle Today With Motorguard
Keeping your vehicle as secure as possible will save you money, time, and lots of stress in the future.At Motorguard, we specialise in providing advanced anti-theft GPS tracking technology, fit for everything from family cars to commercial truck fleets. Our range of trackers combines cutting-edge tracking technology & real-time notifications with discreet installation options to ensure your vehicle is protected against even the most determined thieves. Don’t leave your vehicle’s security to chance – explore our full range of car security solutions today and drive with confidence.