SIEMENS Datatrak, the Swindon-based security company, has launched a new anti-vehicle theft system even as the police warn of a dramatic rise car crime.

Unveiled at New Scotland Yard's Stolen Vehicle Unit in London, Trakbak II introduces a new level of security to combat the growing trend in violent car and key theft.

At the launch, a police report revealed the extent of key theft, responsible for about 23,000 stolen vehicles in the UK in the past year.

Keys are stolen indirectly via burglary or pick-pocket as well as directly through personal attack and thieves are generally aiming for cars worth upwards of £15,000.

Trakbak II addresses both these issues: The thief will unwittingly trigger Trakbak II's tracking capability when he starts the car with the stolen key, even if the owner is unaware of the theft.

Drivers challenged for their keys can surrender them, minimising the risk of personal harm, assured of the greater likelihood that the property will be recovered.

Mike Bateson, UK managing director of Siemens Datatrak, said: "In this war against vehicle theft, Trakbak II ensures that possession of the keys is no longer enough to get away with the crime.

"Significantly, Trakbak II safeguards the driver and by the time the thief realises the vehicle is fitted with the system, the police are already closing in."

Detective Chief Inspector David Ryan, branch head of the Metropolitan Police Stolen Vehicle Unit, said at the launch: "Car key theft has increased substantially over the past four years.

"The greater levels of security modern cars are equipped with means that new vehicles are virtually useless without the key in fact it is the key in your pocket that holds the value of the car and that is what today's thief is after.

"A system such as this, working in conjunction with other security measures, maximises the chances of the vehicle being recovered."

Trakbak II is triggered when the vehicle is driven away without driver verification.

An alert is instantly sent to a Siemens Datatrak National Control Centre, which will call the car owner to enquire whether a theft may be in progress.

The owner can then confirm the situation and inform the police as appropriate.

Through real-time tracking, Trakbak II is able to lead law enforcement agencies directly to the perpetrators.