Ford Debuts New Anti-Theft System For Sat-Nav

BRENTWOOD, February 16, 2006 - Ford’s 700 UK dealers are pioneering a new registration system to help secure portable satellite navigation systems (sat-nav) against theft.

Thousands of UK motorists now enjoy the convenience of turn-by-turn navigation thanks to the widespread availability of portable fascia-mounted navigation equipment. However, thieves are also cashing-in, and thefts of these expensive devices, costing up to £1,000, are dramatically increasing.

Identifying each sat-nav unit with a security code is a valuable theft deterrent, since it becomes riskier to sell and easier to trace to its original owner. In partnership with security specialist company, Retainagroup, Ford’s UK dealers are now marketing a simple DIY kit which includes a unique code and 24-hour telephone access to the International Security Register (ISR) – Retainagroup’s secure database on which details will be recorded with owner information. The discounted price of the kit is £10 through Ford dealers – normal price £11.75.

Retainagroup is the country’s leading manufacturer of vehicle glass and component security marking and registration systems. The markings and ISR registration deters thieves by making marked vehicles and components more difficult and riskier to sell. A single call to the ISR can quickly and easily determine whether the seller is the rightful owner.

This system has been used to protect over nine million vehicles and is a proven deterrent to theft - a marked and registered vehicle is 55 per cent less likely to be stolen than an unmarked one. Unique code marking is a powerful tool in detecting vehicle ‘cloning,’ acting as an independent crosscheck against other vehicle details. The chances of recovery are also 50 per cent higher if a stolen vehicle is marked and registered.

Metropolitan Police officer Commander Rod Jarman said: “Theft of satellite navigation systems from vehicles is a major issue, and any idea which will combat the problem is to be welcomed.”

Contact Information

Jim Cain

Product Launch and Auto Shows

Ford Motor Company

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