If you have just bought a pricey car or your teenager has just started driving, installing a GPS tracker is the first thing that comes to mind. GPS trackers are expensive and out of most people’s price range. However, what if I told you it is possible to how to find a stolen car without a tracker!
A GPS tracker is not the only way to find a stolen car.
This guide will examine the three ways you can find your stolen car without relying on GPS tracking.
Before we get into details about how to find a stolen car without a tracker, ensure that you file a report with local law enforcement in case your car is stolen.
Using SIM-based tracking to find a stolen car
If you cannot afford an expensive GPS tracker, consider SIM-based tracking to track a stolen car.
This process involves leaving a phone with an active SIM inside your vehicle.
Place the phone where someone cannot easily find it.
Install a SIM tracking app on your phone to track your car using this method. You can also liaise with the police to track the phone inside your vehicle using the IMEI number.
The best thing about SIM-based tracking is that you do not need a smartphone. Therefore, you do not have to worry about leaving your expensive phone inside your car.
Moreover, SIM-based tracking works well in large cities. The process pings your SIM location off of cellular towers.
The locations are visible from these cell towers, including your car’s last-known location.
Use the car’s license plate
The second way how to find a stolen car without a tracker is by using the car’s license plate. However, this method is complex and needs technical knowledge to navigate around the CCTV in your area.
You also need image recognition software to locate your car amid all the traffic in your area. You might also need a couple of other tools too.
Using car license plates to track a stolen car is usually ideal when you have the help of local law enforcement.
The police have the tools and resources to filter through CCTV images and find your vehicle’s whereabouts.
(Source: Mobisoft)
Using spyware to find a stolen car
Theft is not the only reason behind having a tracking solution on your vehicle.
You might also want to track your kids’ driving habits to ensure they comply with traffic rules and drive within the speed limit.
Spyware lets users track the live location of the target car. To use this tool, install the spyware app on the target device and monitor the live location using your spy app account wherever you are.
You can install spyware on a hidden phone in your car. The app will monitor routes taken, driving speeds, etc.
The best thing about spy apps is that they track every location of your vehicle, making it easier to track your car without using a GPS device.
Some spyware apps also have geofence alerts. They alert you wherever your car leaves the set boundaries.
Spyware on cars can also be malicious, as seen in a recent report of foreign spyware on a government car.
Use the Vehicle Identification Number
Another solution to how to find a stolen car without a tracker is by using the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number can track a stolen car without the GPS location.
The VIN is a unique code that is attached to a vehicle to help in identifying motor vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
When you explore the VIN database, you can access much information about the history of the vehicle like the current location, past owners, and the registration status of that vehicle.
The VIN code can also assist law enforcement to locate a stolen car and recover that car. However, you should note that to access the VIN database, you might be required to have certain permissions and legal authority.
If a thief attempts to sell or transfer the ownership of the stolen car, they need to provide the VIN. By monitoring the VIN database, you will get alerts in case there is activity related to the stolen car.
You can also contact law enforcement if you find anything from the VIN database. You should note that VIN databases are different, and it is important that you get a reputable one that has broad coverage.
Use surveillance cameras
If you are looking for how to find a stolen car without a tracker, consider using surveillance cameras. If you have surveillance cameras installed in key locations, they can access the footage of the vehicle being stolen and the thief. The information will be used by authorities as evidence when they are tracking down the car.
If you want surveillance cameras to help you track a stolen car, you need to install them in areas that will capture the movement of the car. Such areas include intersections, parking lots, or close to the home or workplace.
The best way to use surveillance cameras to track a stolen car is to have the footage stored in a secure place for easy access.
Search for the car on social media and online platforms
The other solution to how to find a stolen car without a tracker is by leveraging the extensive reach of social media and online platforms. To do this, search for the car on the social media platforms that you are on including online marketplaces, and buy and sell groups.
You can also create a post on social media about your car being stolen. Doing so will increase the visibility of the information about the stolen car. It will also rally your community to help you track the vehicle in their circles.
Besides social media, specialized websites can also come in handy in helping you find a stolen car and inform law enforcement if the car is located. If there are any potential leads about the stolen car, ensure that you keep them professional and safe.
If you can track down your stolen car using social media and specialized websites, you must keep the communication safe and professional. It is also not advisable to confront the thief on your own. Instead, alert law enforcement to help you recover the vehicle.
Ask for help from the local community
The other answer how to find a stolen car without a tracker is to seek help from the local community. You can track the car by seeking the help of the local community, businesses, and groups.
Some community groups that you can work with to get help in tracking your stolen car include neighborhood watch groups, local mechanics, and shops selling car spare parts. You can also work with businesses that have surveillance cameras to see if they recorded anything about the stolen car.
The motive behind working with the community is that it expands your reach, ensuring more people are on the lookout for the stolen vehicle. You can also involve as many businesses and people in your community to help you.
Tracking your car with Bluetooth
It is possible to track your stolen car using Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect your phone’s Bluetooth to the vehicle to see if it is in range.
However, this method is not very effective. Bluetooth has a short range. Thieves also quickly turn off Bluetooth connectivity on stolen vehicles.
Ways to Prevent Car Theft
While there are ways of tracking a stolen car, you are not always guaranteed that you will retrieve the vehicle. Furthermore, prevention is better than cure. With this in mind, you should learn the tips and tricks about the best ways to prevent car theft.
The loss of a vehicle also poses a danger to personal safety as you might have identification documents in that vehicle. Such things make it more crucial to take any necessary measures that will prevent car theft.
GPS tracking
Installing a GPS tracker is the easiest and possibly the most popular way of preventing car theft. GPS tracking devices can track the movement of your vehicle and help you know its location at all times using a phone or computer.
However, not all cars come with GPS trackers installed. Moreover, some might find GPS tracking tools expensive to acquire and install in their cars. However, given the benefits, investing in a car GPS might be the best solution.
Use anti-theft tools
If you are looking for how to find a stolen car without a tracker, you might consider investing in anti-theft devices. The devices make it hard and nearly impossible for thieves to steal your car. They also increase the chances of recovering the stolen vehicle.
The anti-theft devices you might consider using include car alarms, steering wheel locks, and immobilizers. These devices ensure it will not be so easy for a thief to access your car.
When it comes to anti-theft devices, it is best that you have a professional install them. If they are not installed properly, these devices will not do much to protect your car.
Ensure vehicle information is up to date
The other way of ensuring the safety of your vehicle is by keeping information up-to-date. You should keep track of the registration of the vehicle, insurance, and maintenance records. You should also ensure that the contact information attached to the vehicle is up to date so that authorities have an easy time reaching you in case of theft.
Having the contact information with the authorities also ensures it is easy to identify the car and track the owner if it is found. This information will also help in any legal process that might arise because of the theft.
Adopt simple security habits
You should also adopt secure habits if you want to protect your vehicle. If you do not want to rely on third-party devices to track the car, you can start investing in safe habits such as always locking the car and parking it in well-lit and secure spots.
When parking your vehicle, you should ensure that any valuables are out of sight, which prevents thieves from attempting to break in. Such simple but secure habits will significantly reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen.
How to find a stolen car without a tracker – Final Thoughts
A GPS tracker comes in handy when finding a stolen car. However, not everyone has a GPS tracker for their vehicle.
How to find a stolen car without a tracker: you can use SIM-based tracking, spyware, and searching using license plates.
However, if you suspect the theft of your vehicle, the first course of action is to file a police report.
The police usually have ample resources to help track your car in the shortest possible time.
It is recommended that you take proactive measures to protect your vehicle such as parking at well-lit and secure spots. You should also install anti-theft devices such as car alarms, which will lower the chances of your car being stolen significantly.
FAQs
How can I locate my stolen car?
You can locate a stolen car using a tracker. However, if this option is not there, you need to learn how to track a stolen car without a tracker. You can do this using spyware, SIM cards, license plates, etc.
Can you locate a stolen car without a tracker?
It is possible to locate a stolen car without a tracker. You can do this using other means like SIM-based tracking, spy apps, VINs, mobilizing the local community, and using social media platforms.
Which app can I use to find my stolen car?
You can find a stolen car using spy apps. The best spy app should track the location in real-time and even send alerts when a car leaves a particular area.
What should I do after locating my stolen car?
After locating your stolen car, it is recommended that you reach out to law enforcement. It is not advisable to confront the thief on your own.
