STOLEN vehicle recovery system Tracker has launched a new 24-hour monitor system featuring cutting edge radio technology designed to speed up car theft warnings to vehicle owners.

The new system, which is an alternative to the existing Tracker system, costs £299 plus installation (about £100), with an annual subscription (£90 a year) or a one-off payment for the duration of ownership (£290). It is being operated by all of Britain's 51 police forces with 76 insurance companies offering premium discounts to policy holders who have the system fitted.

The new development is the result of a £1.2 million investment by Tracker which has solved the problem of sending low power radio signals over a long distance. A sensitive movement detector alerts the Tracker transponder hidden in the car when the theft occurs and the unit then transmits information to Tracker control, which in turn contacts the vehicle owners.