Net closes in on car thieves thanks to new system

Car owners will be able to track stolen vehicles over the internet using a system to be available nationally from next month.

"If someone discovers their car has been stolen they can log on to the internet, find out exactly where it is and get on to the police," said Cedric Knowles of Havelock North company Eastek Protection Network. "They can even immobilise the car."

The Mi-Trek system, which uses the cellular network and global positioning technology, can also provide real-time information on a vehicle's performance, making it suitable for a range of commercial uses.

The unit costs about $2000 and can be installed in any vehicle in an hour. It can be removed if the vehicle is sold.

- NZPA