New XK launched with JaguarWatch

13-04-2006 10:14

Jaguar has secured an industry lead with its new state-of-the-art 'JaguarWatch' Stolen Vehicle Tracking Device, available initially on the new XK, which went on sale on last month.

In an era of security conscious motoring, Jaguar's lead in achieving Thatcham Category 5 accreditation for JaguarWatch is also an industry ‘first’ for supplying a pan-European stolen vehicle tracking device. JaguarWatch comprises state-of-the-art hardware installed in the vehicle, and a pan-European monitoring and response service. Technical features include remote immobilisation (under Police supervision) and very low quiescent current.

Statistics show that whilst vehicle-related crime has been falling steadily, it still accounts for about a fifth of all crime. Overall vehicle theft rates have also fallen, but the proportion of cars that have been stolen and not recovered is on the increase.

Cars stolen by opportunist thieves such as joyriders are usually found abandoned, but cars stolen by 'professional' thieves for parts or to sell on, are less likely to be recovered. Latest figures suggest more than 50% of stolen cars are not recovered.*

Category 5 is the latest Thatcham standard, developed by Thatcham in conjunction with the Police and insurers, to combat car crime, particularly key theft which is fast becoming the most common means of car theft in the UK.

Currently, only Category 5 accredited systems meet the stringent requirements of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)** Policy On Police Response to Security Systems. JaguarWatch also complies with the advice of The Home Office Scientific

Development Branch (HOSDB). As such a Category 5 system such as JaguarWatch helps the police to respond more immediately to a theft.

JaguarWatch provides an innovative solution to these legislative requirements whilst ensuring that technical integration into the vehicle is fully approved by Jaguar Engineers.

Thatcham's Director of Research, Andrew Miller said: "The fitment of JaguarWatch on the new XK is an excellent endorsement of Thatcham's Category 5 standard. Jaguar are to be applauded as another example of a vehicle manufacturer taking positive steps to help reduce vehicle crime."