Cutting fuel to plant crooks

Immobiliser manufacturer Autominder Industrial last week introduced an dramatically different immobiliser. While other systems cut out a vehicle's electrical system, Autominder stops the fuel supply to its engine.

The device is the result of three years R&D, much of it involving car thieves currently doing time in prison. It has generated interest among Home Office officials and car manufacturers.

Managing director Carol Salisbury said: "Most immobilisers work on the principle of cutting out the engine's electrical system.

"Research proves that thieves know how to bypass this problem, so I decided to develop a more foolproof mechanism."

The Autominder system comprises a decoder box hidden in a vehicle which is automatically set when the driver removes the ignition key. Seven seconds later a flashing LED light shows the vehicle to be secured.

Inside the cab, a small keypad allows the driver to disarm the unit by pressing the correct code before turning the ignition. The driver can choose a personal code from a single number to a 12 digit combination - giving millions alternatives.

Salisbury said: "One insurance broker is already prepared to give a 50% discount when a plant user fits this system."

The unit, now available, costs œ399 plus VAT. It will be one of several anti-theft devices on show at the Plant and Site Security Conference which will be held in the National Agricultural Centre, Stonleigh on 28 November 1996.

Enquiry No: 226