In October 2020, Polaris Britain confirmed the fitment of tracking technology to all new machines bought through their UK dealer network. Joining forces with renowned specialist tracking experts, ATVTrac, Polaris dealers across the UK began fitment of the unit on all new models as standard.

And just three months into the partnership, the decision has been very much validated with already a handful of owners very grateful for the additional security feature.

In this feature, we take a look at two cases in 2020, where despite a theft, the owners were still able to hang onto their Rangers, thanks to the technology provided by ATVTrac.

ATVTrac’s Rupert Archer-Smith picks up the story. 

November 1st 2020, 2.00am, South Yorkshire.

“This was an interesting one, due to the fact that it wasn’t a simple rural theft where the machine was taken from a farm covertly in the dead of night, instead this was stolen from a large school, where the machine was used by the ground staff team normally. 

We were first alerted to the unlawful movement of the Ranger 570 just after 5.00am, when movement was detected with ignition status set to off. At this point, the unit will trigger an alert via text message and email, and then our Secure Operating Centre (SOC) team will then attempt to make contact with the owner. On this particular occasion, the team were able to make contact with the owner quickly, and so of course the hunt was on.

The problem for the team on this occasion is that the thieves had forced the ignition, using the Ranger on what appeared to be a joy ride. Luckily for us, the unit leaves a breadcrumb trail, so we were able to follow its movements over that period.

With Police notified and officers deployed, our SOC team then worked with the officers on the ground, but not long after the live location status came to a stop. Officers followed the details from our SOC team to the Ranger’s last known location, via the latest function we have utilised ‘What3Words’. 

The location being very rural, but open, initially looked to have drawn a blank with no sign of the Ranger, but thanks to the detailed location information the officers noticed a long, dark tunnel, right where the data ended. And hey bingo, what was at the end of the tunnel, but one stolen Ranger 570. By 9.28am, the Ranger was back in safe hands.”

As Rupert points out, location data can be lost if a machine is hidden deep underground, but thanks to ATVTrac’s accurate location data, even if this does happen, the team can arrive at that point and then deploy the unit’s own built-in RF technology, allowing them to scan the area in a more detailed approach. It’s this unique technology that is usually how Police search warrants are issued.

But of course every theft is different, and while ATVTrac can protect all manner of farm and agricultural machinery, ATVs and UTVs are increasingly regular targets, hence Polaris’ determination to help the fight against crime.

Rupert continues,

“Of course every theft is different, but we do get to understand trends or patterns as time goes on and thieves evolve their technique. What’s very clear is that they are generally becoming more organised and aware of security, and like the tunnel theft shows, they often cover their tracks, just in case. 

Where this backfires for thieves though, is where they simply can’t get away quick enough, and thanks to how quickly our system reacts it’s possible to be on the case in a matter of minutes. 

A good example of this was on New Year’s Eve 2020, when a customer in Essex had their Ranger 570 stolen. At 00.53 the unit contacted our Secure Operating Centre after detecting movement, just two minutes later we had a confirmed theft from the owner.

With Police advised, and the Ranger clearly on the move still, we were able to provide the police with a ‘live link’ allowing them to follow the location real-time. 10 miles later and the Ranger and the thieves were detained on the road, with five arrests made. A great result.”

With such insight into theft and a proven track record, it’s easy to see why ATVTrac has such a great reputation, and hopefully gives you as a customer some confidence in the system that is now fitted to all new Polaris ATV and Side by Side models. 

Of course, the system can also be fitted to used models too, and it can also track your usage via miles or hours, as well as protecting lone workers too. Talk to your local Polaris dealer or visit www.atvtrac.co.uk