In response to Thatcham Research highlighting the “genuine and growing gap” between consumer expectation and the technical reality of connected car features, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd agrees drivers need to understand the difference between inbuilt vehicle connectivity and a dedicated stolen vehicle recovery solution.
Connected car services can provide useful convenience features but may not offer live-tracking functionality for stolen vehicles. In addition, disclosure of a stolen vehicle’s location must comply fully with applicable laws, including GDPR, and be managed through the authorities to minimise risk to the customer.
Clive Wain, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, said: “Connected car technology has a role to play, but it is not always designed, certified or enabled to support fast, police-led stolen vehicle recovery. Owners should not confuse a convenience app with a dedicated stolen vehicle recovery solution.
“Criminals understand how to exploit gaps in inbuilt vehicle technology and will use tactics such as GPS/GSM jamming, or moving vehicles into containers, lock-ups and underground car parks.
“That is why Tracker’s use of VHF alongside GPS/GSM is so important. Even if a GPS signal is blocked, VHF can still help police locate a stolen vehicle. Our long-standing relationship with UK police forces, combined with technology designed specifically for recovery, gives owners a far stronger chance of getting their vehicle back quickly and safely.”
Tracker’s stolen vehicle recovery technology is covertly fitted and uses a resilient combination of VHF, GPS/GSM and Mesh technology. Its products also carry Thatcham Quality Assured accreditation, the recognised industry standard for vehicle security, giving motorists and insurers further confidence in the technology.
Tracker is supported nationwide by UK police forces, with detection units fitted in more than 2,000 police patrol cars, across the National Police Air Service helicopter fleet and at most major seaports.
Tracker has an unrivalled stolen vehicle recovery rate of more than 95%, with 80% of stolen vehicles recovered within 24 hours.
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Tracker warns motorists not to mistake connected car apps for stolen vehicle recovery systems
In response to Thatcham Research highlighting the “genuine and growing gap” between consumer expectation and the technical reality of connected car features, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd agrees drivers need to understand the difference between inbuilt vehicle connectivity and a dedicated stolen vehicle recovery solution.
02 July 2026
