Classic cars will always be hot targets for thieves, which is why Tracker (part of the Tantalum Corporation) is heading down to the London Classic Car Show to help enthusiasts protect their beloved vehicles. Taking place from the 15th to 18th February, the London Classic Car Show has established itself as one of the UK’s best niche events, and the ideal location for Tracker experts to offer advice and security tips to owners.

Recent reports confirm that theives are now focusing on the more ‘modern classics’ with 1980s desirable makes and models of cars, motorbikes, vans and camper-vans frequently being targeted by criminals^[1]. Tracker is warning car owners and anyone who has an older car with enough historical interest to be collectable and worth preserving or restoring rather than scrapping, to be on their guard. 

Classic Car Security

Andy Barrs, Head of Police Liaison at Tracker, comments, “We find that all types of classic cars can be an easy target for thieves because they are missing key immobiliser security features that are taken for granted with today’s modern vehicles. We are also finding that thieves are targeting vehicles that are not necessarily classed as ‘classics’ now, but would fit into the category of a ‘future modern classic.’ Cars like the Ford Focus RS models from 2009/10 are now being sold for more than their list price when new, which explains why we are seeing an increasing number of these models being stolen to date.

“Other models that are becoming more common among thieves include the traditional MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, Jaguar E-Types and pre-2016 Land Rover Defenders.   Classic car owners are understandably cautious when it comes to installing alarm systems and immobilisers. Some devices can be unsightly, even on modern vehicles, since people feel they affect the aesthetics of the vehicle. A Tracker unit is a highly effective compromise because it won’t modify the vehicle in any way and thieves won’t even not know it was there.”

Over the two days at the London Classic Car Show, Tracker is offering visitors an online discount of £50 on all its stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) products, including Battery Powered Tracker Retrieve with its long-life battery and patented VHF technology that can track stolen vehicles even when they are concealed, making it the ideal product for classic car owners. In addition, the new plug in connected car device from Tracker, iQ.CAR, which offers real-time vehicle location, journey and driving insights and high-speed in-car WiFi hotspot at the touch of a button will be available at a special price of £25, plus a reduced monthly fee of £19.99 (normally £24.99) on a 24 month contract.

“The London Classic Car Show offers us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of Tracker and chat with classic car owners to reassure them that there are security options out there that will suit their vehicle.  For classic car enthusiasts, who have invested time and effort in renovating their vehicles, the thought of losing it is more than just a question of its monetary value. Tracker’s vehicle security system significantly increases the chances of a classic car being found and returned if it’s stolen.”

Unlike other devices, Tracker’s unique technology can locate stolen vehicles anywhere, even when they are hidden in a garage or shipping container. Tracker has been reuniting car lovers with their vehicles for 25 years, and it’s this expertise which makes Tracker the leader in stolen vehicle recovery. Tracker stolen vehicle recovery systems 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 the thief won’t even know it’s there.