theft alarm with GPS

[not-fishing]

Yesterday I got the dreaded call from my son after he stayed overnight at a college party.

"Dad they stole my Scooter"

We did all the usual notification of Authorities but growing up on the wrong side of the tracks taught me not to expect much.

I treat my Griso like I treat my pedal bikes never leave them out where they'll be easily stolen.  I know that's just not going to work with a college age boy. 

I've had past experience with chains, cables, local alarms and good sized construction equipment where they just steal the whole dam tractor. 

So I ask the forum is there a decent Alarm with GPS that doesn't run $400+?  I'm just looking for something that will make some noise and that will allow me to "go hunting". 

Mark

[MGPilot]

Some guys on the Audi forum are starting to put older or dirt cheap smart phones in their trunks and using apps to track the cars.

[canuguzzi]

Insurance?

[normzone]

Hmmm, so effectively a DIY LoJack ?

I guess the challenges would be -

Keeping it charged
Discouraging it from beeping

But I like the idea.

I always wanted an alarm that would send pictures to my phone, and let me assess whether this was a false alarm or an actual threat.

[canuguzzi]

I heard Audi drivers locked VW drivers in their trunks and followed the screams.

[erice]

It doesn't make any noise, but a Spot Trace runs about $120 (plus an annual subscription of $100) and will send you a message to say it's moved and let you track where it is.
Coupled with a regular alarm, it would fit your price point.

Eric

[kirb]

I'm just looking for something that will make some noise and that will allow me to "go hunting". 

911 call to get a quicker response: "Here is the location of a stolen scooter. I'm on my way to recover it. Let's hope you get there first"

[JeffOlson]

911 call to get a quicker response: "Here is the location of a stolen scooter. I'm on my way to recover it. Let's hope you get there first"

That is like a call I made the police several years ago: "The neighbors are turning violent, and I have an axe in my hands. You had better get here quickly."

[JeffOlson]

Here are some inexpensive units (though you will probably need to pay monthly for service):

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Electronics-Vehicle-GPS-Tracking-Monitoring-Modules/zgbs/electronics/5811986011

[Kiwi_Roy]

It doesn't make any noise, but a Spot Trace runs about $120 (plus an annual subscription of $100) and will send you a message to say it's moved and let you track where it is.
Coupled with a regular alarm, it would fit your price point.

Eric

:1: for the Spot device, I believe it's motion activated and if anything like their other devices should narrow it down to about 10 ft. The problem is where are you going to put it on a scooter out of sight but in view of the satellite.
Under a plastic faring should work.

[canuguzzi]

If you just want motion alarm, so.etching that can turn people around deaf, get a Gorilla bike alarm. Easy install, super loud. You won't need GPS, just look for the clown holding their ears and stumbling around.

I used one on my CX when I parked in some less than nice places in Oakland. Works like a charm.
http://gorillacyclealarm.com/

Can get them on Amazon too.

[MGPilot]

Hmmm, so effectively a DIY LoJack ?

I guess the challenges would be -

Keeping it charged
Discouraging it from beeping

But I like the idea.

I always wanted an alarm that would send pictures to my phone, and let me assess whether this was a false alarm or an actual threat.

Obviously, they're not doing pictures. But they are hardwiring chargers to the car. If the phone is only on a cheap data plan, it's not using much juice, so it can last a long time even when not charged. So far, the reports seem positive. Most folks have an older smart phone sitting in a drawer just in case the new one croaks....but simple ones can be had pretty cheaply. Some guys added the phone to their family plan, others bought pay-as-you-go sim cards. Whatever you want to mess with. But then you're not tied into anyone's unique system, their rates, etc.