Do car thieves look for trackers?

Asked by: Cassidy Littel Sr.  |  Last update: July 9, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (69 votes)

This method enables thieves to operate undetected, making swift getaways with high-value heavy equipment. Criminals may use handheld or vehicle-mounted radio frequency scanners to detect signals emitted by GPS trackers. By scanning common GPS frequencies, they can identify the presence of tracking devices nearby.

Can thieves detect car trackers?

While we know that car thieves can detect car trackers when they're not discreetly installed and mess with tracker signals to stop the unit from working, Cartrack's range of Stolen Vehicle Recovery solutions ensures that you don't only have a quality tracking device installed in your car, but our comprehensive measures ...

How can I detect if my car has a tracker?

Thoroughly inspect your car's exterior, interior, and common hiding spots for trackers. Use detection tools like bug sweepers or apps to locate hidden devices. Seek professional help for finding and safely removing hard-wired trackers. Legal permissions and regional laws determine when tracking a car is acceptable.

Do dealerships put tracking devices on cars?

Yes, many dealerships install GPS trackers on their cars.

Is there a way to block a GPS tracker on your car?

How to Block Vehicle GPS Tracking
  1. 1 Use a plug-in GPS blocker.
  2. 2 Carry a handheld GPS blocker.
  3. 3 Wrap the GPS device in aluminum foil.
  4. 4 Remove the GPS tracker's battery.
  5. 5 Disable location tracking on your cell phone.
  6. 6 Search the exterior of your vehicle.
  7. 7 Examine the interior of your vehicle.

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Is there an app to detect a tracking device?

Luckily, Apple released an app to the Google Play Store to address this called Tracker Detect. Since then, Google has launched its own Find My Device network, which supports unknown tracker detection, though some may be more comfortable with having both apps working alongside each other.

How to beat a vehicle tracker?

The Trick: Some drivers return to basics by physically disconnecting or obstructing the GPS tracker. This could mean anything from unplugging devices to covering them in materials that block signal transmission. The Countermeasure: Regular, surprise vehicle inspections can deter or catch this behaviour.

Is it illegal to remove a tracker from your car?

Yes, you can legally remove a tracker from your car. However, removing a tracker from someone else's car is illegal without permission.

Do all cars have trackers for repo?

Some lenders install GPS units in vehicles at the time of purchase, providing the repo man with the vehicle's exact location if payments fall behind. However, the use of GPS tracking depends on local laws and the specifics of the loan agreement.

Can my iPhone detect a tracker on my car?

iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later will automatically detect unknown AirTags on your vehicle travelling with you. Here is steps to follow: Make sure Bluetooth and Location Services are turned on. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Make sure it's on.

How can you tell if someone is tracking you?

Here are a few ways to tell if someone tapped your phone:
  • Unusual sounds during calls. ...
  • Decreased battery performance. ...
  • Unusual phone activity when not in use. ...
  • Trouble shutting down. ...
  • Websites look different. ...
  • You battery is unusually hot. ...
  • You receive unusual texts. ...
  • Cameras and microphones turn on randomly.

How to remove a tracker from a car?

Procedure
  1. Step 1: Locate and access the vehicle tracker. ...
  2. Step 2: Unplug all connections to the device. ...
  3. Step 3: Secure the power harness. ...
  4. Step 4: Remove the Y-cable or ECMD cable (if present) ...
  5. Step 5: Remove the external antenna (if required) ...
  6. Step 6: Replace removed items. ...
  7. Step 7: Record and update the vehicle information.

Are car trackers worth it?

Yes, car trackers are worth it. They aid theft recovery with real-time location updates, offer insurance premium discounts, and provide peace of mind by monitoring your vehicle. Additional features like geo-fencing and driving behaviour analysis further enhance vehicle security and management.

What car tracker cannot be jammed?

VHF (Very High Frequency) technology is an undetectable tracking frequency that CANNOT be jammed or blocked by any equipment thieves might be using. This means that, even if thieves are able to compromise both the GPS and GSM tracking capabilities, the countermeasures of VHF means that your vehicle is still trackable.

Can I block a tracker on my car?

The signal from a GPS tracking device can also be blocked by a jamming device. GPS Jammers work by producing a white noise radio signal that is transmitted around the same frequency as the GPS satellites. This can block out the signals to GPS tracking devices and navigation systems.

What does a tracking device look like on a car?

One of the first questions many people have is what does a vehicle tracking device look like? Is it big or small? Will it get in the way? A vehicle tracking device will look like a small box, about 3-4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and about an inch thick.

Can the police help me find a tracker on my car?

Now the question is whether the police can help me find a tracker in my car. The answer is no, but a private investigator can.

Can thieves detect a tracker?

Radio frequency (RF) signal detectors are devices designed to identify and locate wireless signals, including those emitted by GPS trackers. Criminals may use these detectors to sweep an area and pinpoint the presence of tracking devices.

Who can sweep my car for tracking devices?

There are a few different options for who can check your car for a tracking device. You can take it to a professional mechanic or a specialized tracking device detection service. You can also learn to check for a tracking device yourself or ask a trusted friend or family member to help.

Is there an app to detect a GPS tracker on your car?

Thankfully, detector apps can sense them easily. Detection Apps: Tools like Detectify, Hidden Devices Detector, Tracker Detect Pro, Find My Kids, and All Devices Detector help find hidden GPS devices.

Is it illegal to put a tracker on my car?

In six states (California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Virginia) laws more broadly prohibit the use of electronic tracking devices, not just on vehicles, and not just in the context of stalking, but when they are used to determine the location or movement of a person without consent.

Is there a way to block trackers?

How To Stop Being Tracked Online
  1. Use ad blockers and anti-track tools.
  2. Try a data privacy-focused browser.
  3. Turn on Google's “Do Not Track” feature.
  4. Hide your browsing history with a VPN.
  5. Regularly clear your cache and cookies.
  6. Adjust your device-level privacy settings.
  7. Browse in incognito mode.

What to do if you think you have a tracker on your car?

Immediate Safety: Prioritize your safety by contacting the police or a lawyer if you suspect danger. Legal Considerations: It's illegal to place a GPS tracker on someone else's vehicle without consent. Vehicle Sweep: Conduct visual and electronic sweeps to locate potential GPS trackers.