Page 19 - CITS Theft Guide

Type C: DIY Tracker
A GPS tracker usually with a user supplied PAYGO VOICE SIM designed to report GPS positions for short periods. System should not ideally have Pay as you go a SIM
Advantages
Competitive internet-based supply market which can provide low cost initial purchase
Lots of devices to choose from
Disadvantages
Theft recovery performance unproven for professional market needs and generally lower than “Type B”.
Law enforcement support generally will not be supplied.
Lots of devices but with no independent verification testing how do users choose a system.
PAYGO SIMS requires routine management to prevent service cut off.
PAYGO SIMS roaming capability may be limited. PAYGO VOICE SIM are not suitable for data reporting modems and generally have lower GSM connectivity. Additional costs may apply.
Usually no professional support services.
System cannot be tracked and recovered without GPS signals, so will not function if GPS jammer is in use or hidden from GPS satellite view.
Poor guarantees or product warranty.
Poor battery life can require a lot of maintenance. Poor or non-existent mapping experience.
Notes:
Criminals understanding of the deployment of GPS Tracking Systems is now much more common, in their efforts to defeat such systems they may consider prior to theft scanning, locating and disabling tracking devices that have live sim card activity. Alternatively, OCG’s may deploy GPS jammers or hide stolen machines from GPS signals.
local signal finder* investigators or law enforcement officers can use VHF or UHF radio direction signal finding equipment to help locate and recover “items hidden from satellites view” for those hidden inside lock-ups, vans, refrigeration trucks, shipping containers, underground carparks or anywhere else where GPS signals cannot penetrate.
GSM jammers are also a possible consideration but as they are more expensive than GPS jammers and they can be immediately detected and positioned by mobile network providers they are believed seldom used.
All tracking systems should be monitored 24/7, have a contracted sim-card and be fit for purpose.
A good tracking company should be able to give you an (in-depth, if required) explanation of the different technologies out there and the relative benefits of different systems.
c/o the CEA
CITS – Combined Industries Unit 19, The Omega Business Village www.theftsolutions.org
Theft Solutions Thurston Road, North Allerton North Yorkshire
DL6 2NJ