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Stolen vehicles fitted with Thatcham Approved Trackers are usually found within hours of the theft being reported, and in the best cases within minutes. Without a tracker, the chances of getting your vehicle back at all are far lower.
The first few hours after a theft matter most. Thieves often move stolen vehicles quickly to a “cooling off” location, break them down for parts or prepare them for export. The longer a vehicle is missing, the greater the chance it is damaged, dismantled or gone for good.
That is why the real value of an approved tracker is not simply knowing where your vehicle is. It is getting that information to the police while there is still time to act.
ScorpionTrack publishes monthly recovery statistics, which show how quickly tracked vehicles are found in practice. Their fastest recoveries so far this year include:
These are the fastest cases rather than averages, but they show what is possible when a monitored tracker, a specialist recovery team and the police work together. In June, the standout recovery was an £87,000 BMW XM 50E, found and returned to its owner within hours of the theft being reported.
Thatcham approved tracking systems are backed by a monitoring centre that operates around the clock, every day of the year. That matters because thefts happen at any time. ScorpionTrack’s April data showed most thefts happened in daylight, while in June around two-thirds took place overnight.
An approved tracker provider works with police forces across the UK, passing live location data straight to officers. Once you report the theft, the recovery team can share accurate, real-time location information with the force handling your case.
Higher-specification systems, such as Thatcham S5 trackers, use driver identification tags. If the vehicle moves without the tag present, the monitoring centre is alerted straight away, which can start the process before you realise your vehicle is gone. This is especially valuable against keyless relay theft, where thieves can drive away without ever touching your keys.
If you are comparing systems, our range of Thatcham Approved Trackers covers both S5 and S7 categories, so you can choose the level of protection that suits your vehicle and your insurer’s requirements.
Both categories offer monitored stolen vehicle tracking, but they work slightly differently:
Thatcham S7 trackers provide location tracking and a stolen vehicle recovery service. Recovery typically begins once you report the theft.
Thatcham S5 trackers add automatic driver recognition, usually through a tag carried by the driver. Unauthorised movement triggers an alert, which can mean a faster response because the monitoring centre may know about the theft sooner.
For high-value vehicles, keyless cars and vehicles in high-risk areas, many insurers ask specifically for an S5 system.
Even with the best tracker fitted, a few simple steps make a real difference:
How long does it usually take to find a stolen car with a tracker?
Typically a matter of hours. Industry figures show half of tracked stolen vehicles are found within four hours and 80% within 24 hours, and some recoveries take less than an hour.
Is a Thatcham approved tracker faster than a manufacturer app?
The two aren’t really comparable. Thatcham Research has warned of a gap between what drivers expect from connected car apps and what those apps can actually do. Approved trackers are built specifically for monitored, police-led recovery.
Do I need a Crime Reference Number for the tracker company to act?
Yes, in most cases. The CRN allows your provider to work directly with the police on the recovery.
Will a tracker stop my car being stolen?
A tracker is designed to help recover your vehicle rather than prevent the theft itself. For the strongest protection, pair it with an immobiliser.
Does an approved tracker reduce my insurance?
It can. Many insurers recognise Thatcham approved systems, and some require them for certain vehicles. Check with your insurer before buying.
When a vehicle is stolen, time is everything. An approved tracker with 24/7 monitoring and direct police links turns a potential total loss into a recovery measured in hours, or even minutes. Explore our full range of Thatcham Approved Trackers to find the right S5 or S7 system for your car, van or motorhome.