GPS tracker sales are soaring as people reclaim their privacy and adapt to new emerging types of crime. GPS trackers have so many uses in modern-day life, with new technology making trackers better quality and more accurate. Whilst GPS tracking used to be associated with a breach of privacy and invasiveness, people are starting to realise the value of GPS tracking our valuables.
The pandemic has played a key role in the rise of GPS tracker use. With people working from home and generally being less busy, we have realised how vulnerable our possessions are when we leave our homes or places of work. As offices, building sites and shops quickly emptied as the world entered a lockdown, this provoked shifts in our collective behaviour, the effects of which will most likely be long-lasting.
Caravan theft
Whilst crime rates crime sank, like drug-related crimes, different types soared in popularity. One form of crime that grew was caravan theft. Caravan theft increased by a shocking 50% within the beginning of different lockdowns across the UK, The Press and Journal report (Donohoe, 2021). A staggering one million motor homes were stolen in 2020, as thieves targeted mobile homes throughout lockdowns. Thieves predicted staycations would become more common as foreign travel was banned and people were encouraged to stay local. More so, as most caravan sites shut in order to discourage travel, caravan sites quickly became easy targets for opportunistic thieves.
As most motorhomes were not fitted with GPS trackers, a lot of families had their property stolen and received no compensation. The most expensive motorhome, which was stolen but recovered, as the motorhome had a tracking device installed, was worth £45,000. The most expensive motorhome stolen that was never recovered cost an eye-watering £33,400. This rise in motor home crime illustrates just how vital it is, particularly now, to secure your motor home using a GPS tracker.
Pet theft
Another type of theft that rose exponentially during the pandemic was pet theft. As many of us began working from home, we got to spend more time with our pets, enjoying the summer sun. Some unlucky pet owners, however, had to feel the difficult loss of coming to terms with a stolen pet. As lockdown hit and the public took the opportunity of being at home to think about buying animals, the high demand encouraged thieves to steal pets and sell them for profit.
Pet theft grew so much that the government had to launch a specific task force for pet theft in order to prevent organised crime from exploiting and stealing animals. The prices for some dog breeds rose 89%, with similar high prices and dog theft still prevalent for over a year (The Guardian, 2021). Attaching a GPS people tracker to a pet's collar helps directly combat this threat, as you can always be aware of your beloved pet's location.
In a post-lockdown world, GPS trackers may just become an everyday household item we attach to our favourite possessions in order to keep them safe. With new forms of crime gaining popularity as the world continues to change post-covid, it is best to stay ahead of the curve and keep your possessions safe with GPS trackers.