A Shropshire security company has seen a boom in sales of GPS trackers after a spate of thefts of sought after vehicles including Land Rover Defenders across the country.
Bosses at Bulldog Security Products in Much Wenlock have fitted a number of immobiliser trackers to Land Rover Defenders this month as rural crime has hit the headlines once again.
Ian Jordan, Bulldog Security Products managing director, said Land Rover Defenders in particular were targeted more so since they had stopped being made but a spike in sales coincides with any social media appeals after vehicles are stolen.
Mr Jordan said: “Last year a Defender was stolen from the car park of Newport Show and we had people coming to us then and a recent appeal went viral on social media about a Defender being stolen and we had another spike in sales.
“The tracker allows the owner to see in real time where that vehicle is. It can also be moved around so unlike ones fitted at time of manufacture the thieves won’t know where to find it to attempt to remove it.
“Rural crime is a problem and more people are now beginning to realise that they can do something about it and fight back by making it more difficult for the criminal to succeed,
“These vehicles are often targeted on purpose to fill a specific market and are sold on very quickly.
“They are extremely desirable so it is vitally important that owners take action to prevent the theft.”
Mr Jordan said one of the recent customers had driven from Henley in Arden for a TR36 immobiliser tracker to be fitted.
He said the tracker can be expanded to include an engine cut-out - meaning only authorised users can start the vehicle and drive off.
“The tracking system means you can monitor your vehicle via a phone app or through the website.
“Security measures are improving all the time and we are continually looking at ways of making life more-and-more difficult for the thief.
“A vehicle - especially vehicles used in rural areas - are often used in their day to day working life so can mean loss of business and time which cannnot be recovered.”
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