Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

The theft of motor vehicles has escalated over the last few years with the Toyota Corolla being chief on the hit list.

Up to July of this year, a total of 193 Toyota Corollas were reported stolen. Recently, some sports utility vehicles (SUV's) have been reported stolen, including those of some celebrities.

Earlier this year, entertainer Anthony Cruz had his Rav 4 stolen from his Red Hills home; West Indies batsman Wavell Hinds was also relieved of his Toyota Prado while driving along Constant Spring Road; and in the latest incident, talk show host Kingsley 'Ragashanti' Stewart was relieved of his 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies.

News of these incidents have led motorists to take steps to protect their vehicles. One such method is the 'kill switch,' which is a security device that is connected to the engine of a car. If not deactivated within 60 seconds after entering the vehicle, the engine of the car shuts down.

Another method of protecting motor vehicles against theft is the 'tracking device.'

What is this device?

According to Tony Gentles, security consultant at KingAlarm System, the device is one that when placed in a car, allows for monitoring of the vehicle.

He says there are two main parts to the tracking device: the global positioning system portion and a communications part that conveys the information to the service provider. the hardware mapping system is not installed in the car.

"They are very good, we can see where the vehicle is and a surprising amount of the vehicle," added Mr Gentles.

The device can be hidden anywhere in the car and can be installed in any motor vehicle.

How do you activate the device?

According to Mr. Gentles, the apparatus is left in standby mode and is activated when an individual sets off a panic button that can either be in the vehicle or on the person.

How soon can your vehicle be located?

Within a few minutes. However, it is not retrieved until it is perceived that the thieves have stopped and it is safe to recover the vehicle.

KingAlarm System, Hawkeye Electronic Security limited and Guardsman Limited are among the companies that offer this service.