Lexus is strengthening the anti-theft measures in its vehicles in a ground-breaking new partnership with security specialist Tracker Network (UK).
As an additional safeguard, compatible Lexus models can be fitted with a sophisticated Tracker S7 device, free of charge. This device is accredited by Thatcham Research, the UK’s automotive risk intelligence organisation, and approved by insurers.
In the event of the vehicle being stolen, the Tracker will be activated, significantly increasing the chances of it being recovered and returned to its owner.
The benefit also extends to Lexus Approved Used vehicles, with all suitable cars being given a security upgrade with the Tracker technology.
As a second layer of protection, customers can download the Tracker smartphone app, providing a host of additional features, including setting a geofence alert. This automatically warns the owner if their vehicle is detected travelling beyond pre-set locations.
Customers can contact their local Lexus centre to enquire if their vehicle would benefit from the fitment. Alternatively, they will be informed of the option when their vehicle is undergoing service, maintenance or repair. The Tracker devices will be supplied and fitted free of charge, inclusive of a three-year subscription.
The latest Lexus models have sophisticated built-in security measures as standard, so are not included in the Tracker initiative. Again, any customer seeking confirmation of their vehicle’s status should contact their local Lexus centre.
Chris Hayes, Director of Lexus in the UK, said: “With increasingly sophisticated methods being used by criminals, it is essential we give our customers peace of mind that their vehicle is well-protected. Through our partnership with Tracker we are providing excellent additional security using the latest technology from a company that has a fantastic record in combating car crime.”
Mark Rose, Managing Director at Tracker added: “Organised criminal gangs are commonly stealing cars to order, often shipping them abroad or dismantling them for their valuable parts. They are highly sophisticated in their technical capabilities, operating a complex network and overcoming many security systems in seconds. Indeed, more than 94 per cent of vehicles we recover are stolen without the keys being present, confirming just how skilful they are. We hold a 95 per cent success rate in recovering stolen vehicles fitted with one of our devices. Crucially, 50 per cent of these are recovered within four hours and 80 per cent are returned to their owners within 24 hours, undamaged.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Lexus, who has been proactive in taking steps to ensure it is putting customers first and providing the ultimate protection for their vehicle.”
How the Tracker device works
Tracker’s stolen vehicle recovery solutions work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so a thief won’t know it’s there.
What’s more, Tracker is the only stolen vehicle recovery provider supported nationwide by UK police services that track, locate and recover stolen vehicles. More than 2,000 police patrol vehicles and all police helicopters are fitted with Tracker detection units. Tracker’s unique combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology is immune to GPS signal jamming, which means a vehicle can be located even if it is hidden underground or in a shipping container.
