UK: RAC Auto Windscreens trials unique vehicle security system

A unique vehicle security system, used by police forces nationwide to prevent and detect crime, is being trialled at RAC Auto Windscreens fitting centres in the South West of England.

Customers at the selected RAC Auto Windscreens fitting centres are being given the opportunity to have their vehicle marked and linked to the International Security Register (ISR). *Marking and ISR registration makes a vehicle five times less likely to be stolen and is a powerful weapon against vehicle cloning.

The ISR is a confidential database operated by leading vehicle security experts, Retainagroup. The database holds details of registered vehicles together with the names and addresses of their owners, keepers and drivers. A 24-hour helpline and verification service is available to the public, motor trade and the police enabling them to identify a vehicle’s rightful owner immediately.

More than nine million vehicles are currently listed on the ISR database. The windows of marked vehicles are etched with a unique code and the telephone number of the ISR 24-hour helpline. Additional security information, such as mileage, radio Pin, alarm, immobiliser and locking wheel nut codes, can also be registered. The system also guards against criminals obtaining ignition keys.

Additionally RAC Auto Windscreens fitting centres will order new stencils, on behalf of the customer, to replace the ISR codes and 24-hour phone number on glass which has been replaced in a registered vehicle.

David Currier, RAC Auto Windscreens sales and marketing director, commented: “Trialling the Retainagroup security system is a further step forward in the fight against vehicle crime. Customer feedback has been really encouraging and we are keen that all 147 RAC Auto Windscreens’ fitting centres will retail the Retainagroup security system by the end of the year.”

Wendy Rowe, managing director of Retainagroup, said: “Unique marking and ISR registration combats vehicle crime in so many ways and we are delighted that RAC Auto Windscreens recognises the benefits for customers in the fight against crime.”

The RAC Auto Windscreens fitting centres currently trialling the Retainagroup security system are based in Bournemouth, Bognor Regis, Frome, Newport, Poole, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Southampton and Yeovil.

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*Source:Retainagroup

For further information contact:
Anna Melton
PR Manager
RAC Auto Windscreens
E-mail: amelton@autowindscreens.co.uk
Telephone: 01246 223 192
Moblie: 07800 628008

RAC Press Office
Telephone: 020 8917 2742
pressoffice@rac.co.uk
Outside office hours: 07764 658 666

Notes to editors:

Vehicle crime facts and statistics

• Despite the standard fitment of better locks, alarms and immobilisers, vehicle theft and fraud is still a major problem, costing owners, insurers, finance companies and the police around Ł3.5 billion every year
• Home Office figures for 2003 show that 282,816 cars were stolen in England, Scotland and Wales. That’s nearly two cars every minute
• In 2004, 92% of unrecovered vehicles were not marked and registered
• The British Crime Survey (BCS) 2004/5 estimates that there were 1,886,000 vehicle-related crimes in England, Scotland and Wales. Of these, 738,531 were thefts of and from vehicles.

Retainagroup

• Retainagroup is the country’s leading manufacturer and supplier of vehicle glass and component security etching, marking and registration systems
• Retainagroup marking and registration systems are used as original equipment by many manufacturers including: Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Hyundai, KIA, LDV, Lexus, Mazda, Proton, Saab, SsangYong, Skoda and Toyota. Other Retainagroup customers include BMW, Ford, Harley-Davidson and Subaru
• The Retainagroup system is a very effective theft deterrent. A Retainagroup marked and registered vehicle is 55% less likely to be stolen than an unmarked one. Unique code marking is also a powerful tool in detecting vehicle "cloning", acting as an independent cross check against other vehicle details such as the registration number and VIN. The chances of recovery are at least 50% better if a stolen vehicle is marked and registered
• Retainagroup security marking and registration systems use state-of-the-art laser technology, stencils with chemical etching, and ultra-destruct and anti-tamper stickers to mark and register around 600,000 vehicles a year
• Since 2001, Retainagroup has been authorised to receive Police National Computer (PNC) stolen vehicle data
• The Retainagroup security marking and registration system is Thatcham Q listed
• Retainagroup has been marking and registering vehicles in the UK since 1982.

The International Security Register

• Details of marked vehicles with owner information are held by the International Security Register (ISR), operated by Retainagroup
• Retainagroup markings include a 24-hour phone number (07000 111333) for the ISR which is used by police, manufacturers, dealers, insurers, used car buyers and the public to check vehicle and ownership details
• In 2005, the ISR handled around 100,000 incoming telephone calls
• If a vehicle owner’s details change, or the marked vehicle is sold, ISR records can be quickly and easily updated by calling the 24-hour number, by going to www.theisr.org or by post. 
• A dedicated web site is available to the police, where an etched code can be checked against VIN and registration number to detect cloning.

RAC Auto Windscreens

• RAC Auto Windscreens provides a wholly owned and operated complete automotive glazing repair and replacement service (windscreens, rear windows and side windows) through the largest fitting centre network in the UK
• It is the only replacement windscreen specialist with its own manufacturing operation, producing 250,000 windscreens a year in a dedicated factory in Chesterfield
• Backed by a fleet of 1000 fully equipped mobile fitting units, RAC Auto Windscreens provides a true 24/7 national service for more than 750,000 private and corporate customers every year.

RAC

• With 7 million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations.. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs.

Aviva

• Aviva’s acquisition of RAC brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14 per cent.