---

Hi-Tech Weapon Used to Catch the Bad Guys

18 September 1998

100 Reasons Why the Streets are Safer; Hi-Tech Weapon Used to Catch the Bad Guys

    SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 17 -- The hi-tech weapon in fighting car
theft, the On-Guard Tracker, now has 100 "notches" in its computer chips.  The
Tracker uses satellite and wireless technology to locate stolen vehicles.
Since the first of this year, the Tracker has helped law enforcement officers
capture 100 auto thieves in communities all around the country.  The milestone
catch took place in Minneapolis on September 16, 1998, with the arrest of
thief number 99 and number 100.
    "The count is even more impressive when you consider these arrests all
took place in 16 communities -- nearly 70% are a result of our 'bait car
program' where we work with local law enforcement auto theft officers putting
an On-Guard Tracker to work as a hi-tech partner," said Steve Riebel,
president and CEO of ATX Technologies.  "Austin, Texas holds the record with
17 auto thieves caught in the act.  The bait car programs in each of the
communities is very strong and in Minneapolis, in one month, auto theft was
reduced by more than 60%."
    The Tracker uses Global Positioning System satellites and wireless
communication data to calculate the exact location, speed and direction of the
vehicle.  The information is fed into the On-Guard Response Center where
emergency communication specialists receive calls for everything from
directions, emergency assistance, roadside help and security.  "Once we get a
call from a vehicle that has been confirmed as stolen, we work with the law
enforcement agency that has jurisdiction to pursue the thieves.  Out of the
first 100 captured, it is important to note that 17% involved consumers and
businesses who are not part of any bait car program,"  Riebel added.
    The On-Guard bait car program is now working in more than 30 communities
around the country.  The Response Center maintains a continuous track on the
vehicle reducing the need for high speed pursuits and the risks for police
officers and the public.  It is also a cost-effective way to pursue the crime
of auto theft, allowing officers to respond when a theft is in progress.
    Located in San Antonio, Texas, ATX Technologies, Inc., a privately held
company incorporated in 1994, is the developer of On-Guard(R) Personal
Security and Vehicle Tracking Systems.  ATX Technologies (http://www.track.com) is
the only company in the industry to offer complete vertical integration --
designing engineering, manufacturing and monitoring its product line.