A pair of thieves in New Orleans recently discovered that stealing automobiles in The Big Easy isn’t so easy … thanks, in part, to OnStar (1).
This past September, two men swiped a Chevy Trax from a residential neighborhood and drove it for about an hour before stopping at a local convenience store. Upon returning to the vehicle, however, they discovered that it wouldn’t start. No, it wasn’t due to a dead battery, a faulty starter or other malfunction; while they were shopping, OnStar disabled the engine using its Remote Ignition Block™ technology.
With Remote Ignition Block, once an OnStar customer reports their vehicle as stolen, OnStar can employ GPS technology to pinpoint its location and relay the information to law enforcement. Working with police, OnStar can then send a signal to keep the engine from restarting, allowing authorities to move in.
And while the New Orleans duo subsequently abandoned the Chevy and fled the scene, the incident revealed both winners and losers regarding OnStar technology. For the Chevy owner (and other OnStar customers), Remote Ignition Block proved to be a valuable security feature that helped the owner get the car back. For law enforcement officers, it helped them recover a stolen vehicle quickly and safely. For the two thieves, unfortunately for them, it brought their joy ride to an unexpectedly swift end.
Other Stolen Vehicle Assistance Features
Remote Ignition Block is just one of several available OnStar Stolen Vehicle Assistance (2) features that employ GPS-based technology. Others include:
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown — With this feature, OnStar can send a remote signal to slow a vehicle during a police pursuit, helping law enforcement to safely recover the vehicle and reduce the likelihood of a dangerous high-speed chase.
• Theft Alarm Notification (3) — This newer technology gives owners added peace of mind by automatically notifying them through text, email, or phone call (their choice) when their car alarm sounds. After a customer reports their vehicle as stolen, they can contact an OnStar Advisor for further assistance in recovering the vehicle.
1. Visit onstar.com for details and system limitations.
2. Requires active Security or Guidance Plan subscription. Services vary by model and conditions. Visit onstar.com for vehicle availability, details and system limitations.
3. Requires factory-installed theft deterrent system, Security or Guidance Plan subscription and selection of notification communication preference(s). Vehicles must be locked electronically to arm the factory-installed theft deterrent system.