Reeeeeaaaally cheap tracking

[MargeB]

Is it possible to secrete a mobile phone in your car, subscribe to a 'mobile phone tracker', then use this if your car has been nicked?

[Clanad]

Problem is, MargeB, most mobil phone batteries only last a couple of days.  I suppose it could work if the thieves were thoughtful enough to steal the car during the time. the batteries were operative.  Unless, of course, you're talking about one that's hardwired into the car electrical system...

[MargeB]

Heh, was thinking that, Clanad. Or Vodafone, which has 'last location' status, may be helpful. So, how do I go about hard wiring it?

[jake-the-peg]

You'll also find that most mobile providers disable (certainly on pay as you go) if the phone has not sent or received a call in 3 months or so.

[Clanad]

This is one solution: http://www.pimall.com/nais/traveleyes.html

Another would to be to locate the cigar lighter wire that now probably exists in your car.  This wire, among others is "hot"... that is, it has power to it even with the car key off. A splice into the wire or, better yet, locating it's terminal on the circuit breaker panel and connect another wire to this.  Then install another cigar lighter receptacle outta sight to plug the phone into to keep the batteries charged.  Probably more trouble than it's worth, and caveat! I've never actually accomplished this so it's theory only, not unlike Darwin's...so there's no proof it actually works...

[jake-the-peg]

Not biting Clanad