How do GPS Vehicle & Car Tracking Devices Work?

GPS vehicle tracking requires a number of elements.

GPS Satellite.
A tracking device.
A wireless network.
GPS servers.
Device to view.

The tracking device transmits a wireless signal through mobile data service providers. The data arrives at a server, which allows you to access the information from a tablet, smartphone, or computer.

Most GPS vehicle tracking devices that Private Investigators use are installed temporarily so have their own battery supply and aren’t hardwired into the vehicle. They generally have a strong magnet on them which secures them to the vehicle but on occasions we have to work outside the box when vehicles are mainly made of alloy which isn’t magnetic.

Essential elements prior to deploying the GPS tracking device are:

Ensure that the battery has sufficient charge for the period of the deployment.
Ensure there is enough paid credit to send GPS coordinates and text messages.
Identify a position on the vehicle that allows transmission to be received and sent. They generally need to be able to see light from their position to be able to connect to the satellite.

Before deployment

If we are unfamiliar with the vehicle type, then we will need to find a vehicle of the same type and year and rehearse where to place the device.

We will need to research the location of the vehicle to identify if there is any security lighting, CCTV or ring doorbells. This needs to be done in daylight hours.

The tracking device should be secure and well hidden so that it can’t be seen should the vehicle have any spontaneous maintenance.

The Law

Deployment of a GPS vehicle tracker should only be done as an aid to Mobile Surveillance.
GPS Tracker data should be considered intelligence only.
As with all investigations, ensure GDPR compliance by completing a ‘Data Protection Impact assessment’.

Evaluate the legalities of using and deploying tracker

Trespass – Consent, Cover, Collateral
Data Protection – ICO, personal data, retention
Property interference – Crime
Policies on Tracking Devices – ABI and ICO
Do your research!
JAPAN –justified, accountable, proportionate (and reasonable), appropriate, necessary
Remember ‘Ignorance is no defence in law’

Public Bodies – Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

Directed surveillance is covert, but not intrusive surveillance; it is conducted for the purposes of a specific investigation or operation; it is likely to result in the obtaining of private information about a person (whether one specifically identified for the purposes of the investigation or operation).
Intrusive surveillance is covert surveillance that is carried out in relation to anything taking place on residential premises or in any private vehicle, and that involves the presence of an individual on the premises or in the vehicle or is carried out by a means of a surveillance device. JAPAN –justified, accountable, proportionate (and reasonable), appropriate, necessary.

Who do I contact for further advice?

For further advice and information in regard to surveillance or surveillance training, then please feel free to speak to us for further advice and in complete confidence.

London Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations London Office 020 39046622
Birmingham Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Birmingham Office 0121 7162442
Cambridge Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Cambridge Office 01223 662022
Derby Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Derby (Head Office) 01332 504256
Leeds Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Leeds Office 0113 4574066
Leicester Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Leicester Office 0116 2436520
Nottingham Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Nottingham Office 0115 9646950
Manchester Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Office 0161 3023008
Sheffield Vehicle Tracking – Call the Titan Investigations Sheffield Office 0114 3499400

Alternatively, you can contact us directly using our fully confidential contact form at enquiries@titaninvestigations.co.uk or chat directly using our Live Chat facility and one of our private investigations team will get right back to you.