Concern over fleets having their GPS tracking devices jammed has been hitting the news in waves. Vehicle tracking operators are cautioned that they should not put complete faith into the systems. When jammed the vehicle tracking systems may mean the vehicle cannot be recovered. Tracker, a manufacturer of VHS tracking devices, states that GPS systems are more easily jammed and that means thieves are more likely to steal vehicles with GPS devices.
Mark Walls is an employee with Tracker. He stated that the thieves use a satellite signal to block the GPS signal from the receiver and they can also stop the GSM communication. This makes it easy to steal the vehicle without leaving a trace of where the car or truck has been taken. It also makes recovering these vehicles almost impossible.
The director of Trackstar, a GPS manufacturer, stated that they have a 90 percent recovery rate for all stolen vehicles. This is the highest recovery data in the UK and industry. They have not seen an increase of jamming tools. Pat Gallagher, the director, stated that the police and Thatcham have both assured the company Trackstar that jamming devices have not increased in use and that GPS systems are safe.
