RBS Ltd GPS Tracker

Has anyone purchased a tracker from RBS Ltd (offer discount to ASOC members).

I hate to depress you but, I've considered a GPS tracker and discounted it, because any thief who specifically targets a motorhome (if he has any sense at all) will be carrying a battery powered or portable GPS jammer to plug into the 12V socket. They're only a few quid on your favourite auction site.

The problem is that the GPS signal is so weak that even a low powered jammer will squash the received signal for a 100meter radius at least, thus preventing the tracker from being able to calculate its position.

http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/workspace/illegal-gps-jammers-are-widespread-study-finds-62443

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/feb/13/gps-jammers-uk-roads-risks

There was even a recent TV programme about 'steal to order' car thieves, where one of the protagonists bragged that everyone carries a GPS jammer as a necessary tool.

I use a GPS powered logbook in my car for documenting my business trips to invoice my customers. I've noticed that the GPS signal has inexplicably disappeared many times while on UK motorways, sometimes for a few miles.

I've also been on a yacht, in total darkness, assisting with navigating a river using a chartplotter when the GPS signal became flaky and then just disappeared for about half a mile.
Needless to say, a chart plotter is basically useless if this happens, a torch is more useful and that's what we had to use. 

Thanks for the advice. Quite interesting!
Along with the vehicle alarm/immobiliser, steering wheel lock, wheel clamp, intruder alarm I thought I would invest in a tracker. Had purchased one from RBS and have been having a few problems - not with the signal.
Useful to note regarding the GPS jammer.
Bottom line if they want it they will get it - just thought a few off-putting bits may assist in it being not so attractive.

RoyatPB wrote:Thanks for the advice. Quite interesting!
Along with the vehicle alarm/immobiliser, steering wheel lock, wheel clamp, intruder alarm I thought I would invest in a tracker. Had purchased one from RBS and have been having a few problems - not with the signal.
Useful to note regarding the GPS jammer.
Bottom line if they want it they will get it - just thought a few off-putting bits may assist in it being not so attractive.

Agreed on the last part, but I owned a Ford Cosworth for many years, and they never got that. 

How about something off this page:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.H0.Xgsm+pir+alarm.TRS0&_nkw=gsm+pir+alarm&_sacat=0

I'm planning to do something like this, with a "3" SIM card, for when we go to France and Spain in the motorhome. 

meanchris wrote:I hate to depress you but, I've considered a GPS tracker and discounted it, because any thief who specifically targets a motorhome (if he has any sense at all) will be carrying a battery powered or portable GPS jammer to plug into the 12V socket. 

I dare say the jammers work, but obviously thieves in the NE don't have "any sense at all", or they don't have faith that jammers work as well as claimed, as most stolen vehicles, especially higher value cars and commercials get parked up shortly after being stolen and monitored for a while to see if the police show any interest.

Depending on which "Tracker" is fitted, monitoring companies still make regular contact with the police when intervention is needed and some police cars have "Tracker" receivers fitted for direct tracking. The numbers of activations have not significantly dropped, which seems to go against claims that jammers are widespread.

I will be having a Tracker fitted to my new van, although I haven't decided on which system yet, and even if it ends up stolen, my insurer will pay out.