TrackN Founder, pushes for expanded car immobiliser trial to safeguard more Queensland cars

The state government is facing pressure to finish the Vehicle Immobiliser Trial in Queensland after promising results show the effectiveness of the devices in preventing opportunistic thieves. FIND OUT WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU.

Founder of TrackN Ashley Glenister is urging the state government to continue its car immobiliser trial, stressing ending it now puts countless vehicles and the safety of Queenslanders at risk. Picture: Supplied.

Ending the car immobiliser subsidy would put millions of vehicles in Queensland at risk of being stolen, a company specialising in vehicle security has warned.

The state government trial, announced in 2022, was expected to supply 20,000 subsidised engine immobilisers to residents in Mount Isa, Cairns and Townsville with all voucher allocations for the trial exhausted soon after there release.

TrackN founder Ashley Glenister is urging the Crisafulli Government to continue the trial.

“Early evidence from the Vehicle Immobiliser Trial shows it had been very successful,” he said.

“People are still keen to get them installed, but multiple voucher holders out there who have sold their vehicles are unable to redeem their vouchers on their new cars.”

Minister for Police Dan Purdie, Oxley Police Academy. Picture: Liam Kidston

An engine immobiliser is a security device which prevents a vehicle’s engine from starting without the correct key or fob, effectively reducing the risk of theft.

On average about 15 cars have been stolen per week, in the greater Cairns area, between Gordonvale and Palm Cove, according to Queensland Police vehicle watch data.

Residents who initially took part in the trial locations could apply online for a $500 voucher to cover the cost of an engine immobiliser, which they would then redeem with an approved service provider for installation.

Police minister Dan Purdie said an evaluation of the program was underway but initial data suggests only half of the vouchers were claimed.

“The $10 million Vehicle Immobiliser Subsidy trial is currently being evaluated,” he said.

“Initial results show only about half of the vouchers were redeemed.”

Mr Purdie said the Crisafulli Government was committed to reducing victim numbers and would continue to implement tough new laws to deter offenders.

“The second tranche of the Making Queensland Safer Laws to be introduced this year,” he said.

Ashley Glenister, founder of engine immobilising app Trackn.

Queensland police data indicated where immobilisers had been used, there was a notable decreases in crime rates.

In the Far North, including Cairns, there had been a 22 per cent decrease in unlawful entry offences and an 18 per cent decrease in unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences.

Townsville reported a one per cent decrease motor vehicle offences with a 14 per cent decrease in Mount Isa.

Former police minister Mark Ryan previously said the trial had been successful.

“I always had great confidence that the trial of immobilisers could prove successful, and the advice from police is that it has,” he said.

Police arrest two juveniles in relation to multiple car thefts in Cairns PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

Mr Glenister said that of the 20,000 vouchers, about 11,500 still need to be installed.

“More than 80 per cent of the people wanting vouchers were unable to redeem one as the allocations had been exhausted,” he said.

“While it’s been a success, there are still so many people waiting for the chance to protect their cars.”

Under the Making Queensland Safer Laws, juveniles can now face up to 10 years detention for unlawful use of a motor vehicle (car theft), which is double the previous maximum penalty.

Mr Glenister said the immobiliser trial would complement these laws.

“The trial is far from over,” he said.

“And yet here we are, with so much un-utilised potential.”

Mr Glenister added he spoke to many people disappointed they were unable to participate due to the voucher allocations being exhausted.

“If the trial had been completed properly, we would have been able to prove the effectiveness of the immobilisers on a broader scale,” he said.

“It could make a difference across the entire country.

“The real question is, ‘Why won’t the government let us finish what we’ve started?”

Originally published as TrackN Founder, pushes for expanded car immobiliser trial to safeguard more Queensland cars