Car tracking tech rescues developer's own motor

When David Thomas had his car stolen earlier this month he knew how to get it back - using the satellite-based tracking system he had helped develop.

The car was fitted with BT Trackit, which uses GPS technology to track a stolen vehicle. And Thomas, a project manager on the product's testing programme, was pretty confident that the technology would help reunite him with his motor.

"Obviously I wasn't overly worried because knowing BT Trackit capabilities and performance as I do, I knew that I would see my car again. Nonetheless I was very relieved to get it back safely," Thomas said in a statement.

Thomas was alerted to the theft of his Audi A4 by BT's Secure Operating Centre, and the police were informed of the vehicle's location. The car was found abandoned six miles from his home and retrieved undamaged within the hour.

The system uses in-car wireless and RFID to authenticate the driver, and if a vehicle is moved without authorisation it can be tracked by satellite. BT's Secure Operating Centre can also liaise with police to have the vehicle's ignition disabled when parked. Using the system a car can be tracked across 27 EU countries.

The service is available from BT direct or from main car dealerships.