Guardsman, JAA protecting motorists

Garth Kitson, general manager of Guardsman Alarms Limited, said the recent spike in motor vehicle theft is attributed to the earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan in March.

"The Japan disaster created a major demand for spare parts. Therefore, some types of vehicles have become targets for thieves," he said. "Honda Fit and Toyota Probox namely.

Kitson, however, sought to assure Guardsman Alarm customers.

"We have a high percentage rate of success in recovering stolen vehicles fitted with our automatic vehicle locater," he said.

According to Insurance Association of Jamaica, insurers pay out more than $9 billion in claims annually. And, of that amount, stolen motor vehicles claims is an estimated $1.9 billion.

"The vehicle-tracking system uses the global-positioning system and global system for mobile communications technologies to maintain a virtual security net over vehicles," he said.

According to Kitson, tracking begins the moment the device is installed and new installations include a panic system.

Armed response dispatched

"When someone is in distress, all that person needs to do is, simply press a button and an armed response unit will be dispatched from our central station," he said. "Our device is so intelligent that we can modify it to immobilise the vehicle, if we suspect it has been stolen."

He said each device is also carefully and effectively monitored.

"We study the movement of our clients," he said. "Therefore, if 'Client Campbell'' usually leaves home at 6 o'clock, then a red flag will be raised if his car is moving at 3 a.m."

Through its affiliate partnership with the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA), Guardsman Alarms seeks to encourage more Jamaicans to protect their motor vehicle investment with a tracking device.

"We wanted to partner with a roadside-assistance company, and we believe that the JAA is the best," Kitson said. "We have a contractual arrangement under which we can bundle the two services; and offer value-added services to our clients."

Through the partnership, JAA members receive a vehicle-tracking unit at zero cost.

Kitson further explained installation of the unit will be at no cost to the member. However, there is a minimum monthly payment of $2,500. The member gets all the JAA roadside assistance and security response services offered by Guardsman Alarms Limited.

JAA members can also enter into a two-year contract with Guardsman which provides a full warranty for the tracking device during the period. The partnership goes even further as Guardsman acts as a "one-stop-shop" allowing persons to sign up for JAA membership at its Swallowfield Area office.