Skytag - Two for one!

Skytag-gps.co.uk achieved another success last night by recovering a customers stolen Land Rover Defender and providing Kent Police with the opportunity to arrest the thief responsible.

The operation - which lasted around an hour - following the initial report from the vehicle owner, involved Skytags own operators, around 12 police units, including dogs and the Kent police helicopter. Covering around 40 miles in the Kent countryside the stolen vehicle which was travelling at speeds of up to 85mph looked like it may enter the motorway network. Fortunately the thieves remained on mainly ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads allowing Police units to follow at a safe distance not revealing their presence until they could safely recover the vehicle and arrest the perpetrator.

Live on Twitter! Followers of @skytagGps on the twitter network were treated to a live account of the operation as it happened. Skytag operators updated the feed throughout with details of the vehicle speed and progress of the police; it’s believed this is the first time that Twitter has been used to ‘broadcast’ details of a stolen vehicle pursuit, recovery and arrest in real time.

Skytag would particularly like to thank Kent Police. Skytag Managing Director Guy Topsom had this to say – ‘Support from Kent Police was frankly unbelievable! We understand at its peak the operation involved 12 mobile units, including dog units and also the Kent Police helicopter. The speed at which they were able to react and the resources that were made available were outstanding. There was a continuous dialog from Skytag during the operation, providing police with location, direction of travel and speed. The Police were also providing feedback on their locations and tactics. At times the vehicle was travelling through villages and small town centres, the last thing anyone wants in those circumstances is a high speed chase. The two way communication between us and the police I believe was vital to achieving the result in a controlled and safe manner.’

The owner of the vehicle is naturally delighted with the result. The vehicle was well protected and had an alarm system, immobiliser and steering wheel lock fitted, as well as the Skytag tracker of course, it was also kept in a secure location at the owner’s rural Kent village home. The owner commented that his wife had seen the vehicle outside when closing the curtains downstairs, then just 15 mintues later she was upstairs to do the same, it was gone! Thankfully due to Skytag the customers’ vehicle was recovered with minimal damage.

Skytag and Police 2 : Thieves 0