Satellite Technology Helps Police Crack Down on Auto Theft

GPS system helps Texas man locate stolen vehicle

TROY, Mich. February 20, 2003; Today's in-vehicle safety and security communication systems are helping police to capture auto thieves and locate stolen vehicles. The OnStar system, which uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology, can pinpoint a vehicle's exact location even if it's moving-providing police with fast and accurate information to help them locate the vehicle.

According to a study released late last year by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), motor vehicle theft rose 4.2 percent nationally in the first six months of 2002. There were more than 12,000 auto thefts in the Houston area alone during that time. Services like OnStar provide police with more options in locating stolen vehicles.

OnStar receives approximately 500 stolen vehicle requests each month. Oscar Salazar of Robstown, Texas, knows firsthand what it's like to have a vehicle stolen. Early last month, Salazar called OnStar to report that his 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer had been stolen from his home. After verifying the report with local police, OnStar advisor Michael Evans used the vehicle's embedded global positioning system to help authorities locate the stolen vehicle.

The OnStar advisor quickly located the Chevrolet sport utility vehicle (SUV) and reported its position to police. As units closed in on the vehicle, the suspects fled, leading police through several towns. Evans stayed on the line with the emergency dispatcher and provided updates on the vehicle's location as it moved from town to town. Police attempted to slow the SUV by laying metal spikes across the road to puncture its tires, but the suspects changed directions and avoided the spikes. Eventually, the police cornered the vehicle and apprehended four suspects.

"We work closely with the OnStar subscriber and emergency dispatchers, passing along critical information that helps guide authorities to the exact location of the stolen vehicle," said Terry Sullivan, OnStar Vice President of Communications. "If the vehicle's moving, the OnStar advisor provides the emergency dispatcher with ongoing updates of its location."

There are more than two million OnStar subscribers on the road today. The OnStar safety and security communication system is available on more than 60 models from manufacturers including General Motors, Acura, Audi, Isuzu, Subaru, Volkswagen and Lexus through Lexus Link.

About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corp., is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology. With more than two million subscribers, OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make, receive and access personalized information all in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays. Additional information is available at www.onstar.com.