Thief-Thwarting Tech: How GPS Tracking Outsmarted Some Not-So-Smart Crooks out to steal a Ola scooter
Moving to a new place is never easy. For Anjali Pal, it turned into a nightmare when she fell victim to a packers and movers company fraud. She had booked her luggage through the company while shifting from JDH (Jodhpur) to DDN (Dehradun). Only to later discover that the company was trying to transport her Ola scooter to another state without her knowledge.
Fortunately, the fraudsters overlooked one crucial detail – Anjali’s Ola scooter is equipped with GPS/Location tracking. While they had executed the theft, GPS was silently doing what it does, transmitting the scooter’s location to Ola’s servers in real-time. After almost a month, Anjali has been re-united with her scooter. Well done everyone. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Tusharr Makwna for sharing this update.
Why GPS/Location Tracking Should Be a Must-Have Feature in Your Electric Scooter
It didn’t take long for Anjali to realize that something was amiss. She reported the theft to the local police and filed an FIR. However, her communication to Ola on Twitter requesting them to track the scooter is dated on April 11, 2023. She even contacted Ola on all possible email ids. As she continued to request help online, by 12th April, her Ola’s charge was down at 40 percent.
The team at Ola proceeded to provide regular location updates, which helped the police in their investigation. Thanks to location updates, the police were able to catch the fraudsters swiftly. Anjali was overjoyed. And again took to Twitter to express her gratitude to Ola and the police officers for their swift action. All in a day’s work. A good day for all. Well, not so much for the thieving party.
I GOT MY OLA SCOOTER BACK? special thanks to @OlaElectric @ola_supports @bhash they provided us the ola location several times.
And special thanks to the sub inspector @SulochanaJaat and rajendra sir posted in basani police station jodhpur @CP_Jodhpur @JdprRuralPolice https://t.co/qxH3AERtk1 pic.twitter.com/DnfYeylXLD— Anjali Pal (@anjalipal8477) April 13, 2023
This incident serves as a reminder that we need to be vigilant. And do thorough research before trusting anyone with our belongings or money. It’s essential to take extra precautions when dealing with packers and movers, as they have access to our most valuable possessions.
GPS Tracking: The Unsung Hero of Electric Scooter Theft Prevention
Fortunately, modern technology like GPS tracking can be a lifesaver in such situations. Many electric scooter manufacturers offer GPS tracking as a feature. This allows owners to track the location of their scooter through a mobile app.
If your electric scooter is equipped with GPS tracking and it gets lost or stolen, you can contact the manufacturer or service provider to report the loss. Also request assistance in locating it.
Smart Scooters, Smarter Tracking: How GPS Location Tech Can Foil Theft
It’s important to note that GPS tracking is not foolproof. There may be certain limitations on the ability to locate a lost or stolen scooter. For example, GPS signals can be blocked by buildings or other obstructions. Accuracy and reliability of tracking may vary depending on quality of the signal and network strength.
It’s important to note that the manufacturer or service provider may have certain limitations on their ability to locate a lost or stolen scooter, such as legal restrictions or privacy concerns. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to take additional steps to protect your scooter, such as locking it up securely and parking it in a safe and visible location. Stay vigilant, and take advantage of the technology available.
