Car theft in the UK is a serious issue and is still more common than most people might think. Over 72,000 vehicles were stolen across England and Wales between January and September 2024, which works out to around one vehicle every five minutes.
With thieves using increasingly advanced methods, traditional security like an alarm or factory-fitted immobiliser often isn’t enough. That’s where solutions like Crystal Ball’s remote immobilisation trackers come in. These systems combine real-time vehicle tracking with the ability to remotely shut down a stolen car and help you stop a theft in its tracks.
What Is an Immobiliser?
An immobiliser is an electronic security device that stops a car from starting unless it detects the correct key, fob, or digital ID. It cuts off power to critical systems like the ignition or petrol pump, making it impossible to drive away without authorisation.
Since 1998, all new cars in the UK must come with a factory-fitted car immobiliser, but that alone isn’t always enough to stop today’s tech-savvy thieves. Relay attacks, where criminals trick the car into thinking the key is nearby, can still bypass these systems. And if the thief tows the car away, the immobiliser won’t help.
That’s why pairing your car immobiliser with a GPS tracking system adds a much-needed second layer of protection.
How GPS Trackers Help Prevent Car Theft
A car tracker can be a game-changer when it comes to security. In simple terms, it lets you see where your vehicle is at any time, whether it’s parked outside your house or heading down the motorway.
A good GPS vehicle tracking device will alert you immediately if your vehicle moves without permission. Some systems even allow you to set up “geofences”, virtual boundaries that trigger an alert when the car crosses them. These features are useful whether you’re protecting your personal car or overseeing a fleet.
Let’s not forget the recovery aspect. If your vehicle is stolen, a GPS tracker gives law enforcement the best possible chance of locating and retrieving it quickly.
Crystal Ball’s Thatcham-approved trackers come with advanced features like driver ID tags via Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) technology. If the vehicle moves without detecting the tag, it sends an instant alert, flagging it as a potential theft. It’s a smart, proactive layer of defence that helps stop unauthorised use before it becomes a serious loss.
These trackers also include motion-detecting features, which trigger alerts if the vehicle is being towed or tampered with—even if the engine hasn’t started. Combined with GPS and GSM tracking, you get live updates, smarter protection, and complete visibility around the clock.
The Power of Remote Immobilisation
Remote immobilisation is exactly what it sounds like—the ability to stop your vehicle from being driven, even if you’re miles away.
Once the vehicle is turned off, you can use an app or web portal to prevent the engine from restarting. This means even if a thief manages to drive it somewhere and park, they won’t be able to move it again. It’s especially powerful when used in conjunction with a live GPS vehicle tracker, giving you full control and visibility over your car’s location and status.
Crystal Ball’s S5+ Thatcham Approved Tracker includes this feature, which allows users to lock down the vehicle remotely as soon as suspicious activity is detected.
Combining Tracking with Immobilisation
An immobiliser and vehicle tracking each offer solid protection, but together, they create a stronger, more complete way to keep your car safe.
Let’s say someone manages to start your vehicle using a cloned key or through a keyless relay attack. The car tracker immediately alerts you to unauthorised movement and shows you exactly where the vehicle is. Once the engine is switched off, remote immobilisation kicks in, stopping the thief from restarting it and buying time for the vehicle’s recovery.
This dual protection approach is why car immobiliser and tracker systems are becoming increasingly popular. They offer real-time location data, alerts, and the power to shut things down before any serious damage is done. You’re not just reacting to theft; you’re preventing it.
Choosing the Right Car Immobiliser and Tracker
If you’re ready to protect your vehicle properly, a few things matter:
- Go Thatcham-approved. Thatcham Research sets the UK’s industry standard for car security systems. Many insurers won’t recognise a system unless it’s on their list.
- Pick a system that includes both GPS vehicle tracking and remote immobilisation. You’ll get real-time updates and the power to act fast if something’s wrong.
- Ensure compatibility. Not every car tracker or immobiliser works with every make and model. Check with the provider before you buy.
Crystal Ball offers systems that tick all these boxes, including the highly rated S5+ Thatcham Approved Tracker. Whether you’re protecting your personal vehicle or operating a fleet of any size, it’s a smart move that offers real, reliable protection.
Take Control of Your Vehicle’s Security
Immobilisation trackers offer a proactive way to stay one step ahead of car thieves. By combining real-time vehicle tracking with remote shutdown capabilities, you’re adding serious stopping power to your vehicle’s security setup.
Crystal Ball’s Thatcham-approved S5+ tracker and remote immobilisation features are designed to help you protect what matters most before it’s too late.
Contact us today to explore the best solution for your car or fleet, and let Crystal Ball help you take control of your vehicle’s security.