Bourne Supremacy: Thieves tracked with Navman Wireless technology
The route taken by hapless thieves from the company's Tenterden depot was observed by Transport Manager Graham Grieves, via the tracking systems' advanced software system, and he immediately notified the police of its whereabouts.
"We use the Navman Wireless system, principally, to cut costs and boost our business efficiency, but it also sends an alert to my mobile if one of our vehicles moves outside of normal working hours," explained Graham.
When he received such an alert on the evening of February 10, he knew something was amiss and that he had to act quickly. Graham contacted the police and logged onto the system's tracking software from his home PC.
"Being able to accurately track the stolen vehicle's movement in real time meant that there was no escape and police soon homed in on it," he said.
"Although the thieves made a hasty get away, the vehicle - a beaver tail flat bed truck worth more than £20,000 - was recovered and this was invaluable to the ongoing operation of our business."
An additional security tracking device had also been fitted in the truck but this was discovered and removed by the thieves before they stole the vehicle. The Navman Wireless tracking unit however was never uncovered, having been too well concealed.
Although no arrests have yet been made, Kent Police are still investigating the case.
Tony Neill, Executive Vice President, Navman Wireless, added: "The tangible benefits to vehicle operators of investing in telematics are considerable and we are delighted it is demonstrating its value to John Bourne & Co. Further significant returns on investment should continue to be realised by the company in the months ahead."
Navman Wireless vehicle tracking enables users to track, message and monitor their fleet from almost any PC at any location, providing vital information about companies' workforces and mobile assets.