LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System

How’s it Work?

The LoJack system operates directly with a network of state and government law enforcement agencies (the cops) and includes a patented radio frequency transmitting device stashed on the bike. Simple, right? LoJack stands apart from other motorcycle anti-theft devices on the market by being the only system using radio frequency for tracking, and in cooperation with the police, they are the only system that can be called a recovery system.

Other tracking systems are based on global positioning systems that can easily be blocked or lost, just like the signal of a navigation system or satellite radio. Those signals can easily be lost in wooded areas, deep city caverns or even your own garage. Even a few blankets over a motorcycle stashed inside a van can muddle the ability of a GPS-based system to be tracked.

Radio waves, like from the LoJack system, don’t have the signal range of GPS, but it has the accuracy necessary find your bike inside vans, buildings and even underground. Additionally, LoJack’s NCIC-based and police-controlled tracking signal constitutes probable cause and legally warrants a police entry if an item is tracked to private property.

While I cannot explain how LoJack works beyond the RF vs. GPS comparison, I can tell you I have seen it work and I was truly impressed. In LoJack’s 20+ years of experience, they have returned over 250,000 stolen vehicles to their rightful owners worldwide. Tracking motorcycles since 2003, LoJack boasts a 90% recovery rate but can often claim 110% (going the extra mile) by recovering more than just the vehicle they’re looking for when they, for example, find your bike in a chop shop.

Upon purchase and installation of the system at your local dealership, your VIN and LoJack account numbers are forever married in their database, fully transferable upon the sale of your motorcycle (but remember to alert LoJack of the new owner’s name if you do sell it). The LoJack system gets installed for a one-time cost with no monthly fees. They even guarantee recovering your vehicle within 24 hours upon theft notification. The suggested retail price is $595 or $695 – depending on the type of LoJack system – plus the cost of installation. For prices in your market, check with a local dealership.

Bike Theft is Big Business

On average, a bike is stolen every seven minutes in the U.S. In the event of a theft, or if a roommate decides to “borrow” your bike, you’ll need to report the missing LoJack-equipped motorcycle to the police. But first, as a special package for motorcyclists in California and select LoJack states throughout the U.S., the LoJack Early Warning system is also available. When your bike is moved without the Early Warning Key Pass, the LoJack network will notify you by email, phone or text message about the movement. Once you verify the theft, you report it to the police and at this point LoJack takes over to find your bike.

The police routinely enter the VIN into the NCIC system and your bike’s unique LoJack code is returned as matching the stolen VIN. This process automatically triggers the activation of the LoJack Unit hidden in your motorcycle and begins emitting an inaudible signal.

Instantaneously, your bike’s unique LoJack code is broadcast via the LoJack Radio tower network to the PTC (Police Tracking Computer)-equipped police cruisers and helicopters and they begin their search for your loved one. The entire process can take as little as one minute from your report to retrieval. Amazing! Potentially, upon reporting a stolen motorcycle, the police can have it found before you even have your shoes tied!

One possible downside is that LoJack isn’t available in every state of this great nation – available in only 26 states, but also in more than 30 countries around the world. Higher crime cities have been the first to adopt the system. To date, 80% of high-theft areas are covered and more cities are added each year. LoJack donates all the tracking computers to policing agencies; each system sold potentially helps to grow the coverage map.