Ghost Immobiliser: The Ultimate Guide to Stopping Car Theft in the UK

That lingering doubt when you lock your new car for the night. Is it truly safe? With sophisticated threats like relay attacks and key cloning on the rise, standard factory security is no longer enough. Thieves can bypass these systems in seconds, but there is a definitive solution. The Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser is the silent guardian that makes your vehicle invisible to criminals, integrating directly with your car’s own electronics to create an impenetrable barrier.

This is security without the hassle. No extra key fobs to carry and no tell-tale flashing lights to give the game away. In this ultimate UK guide, we will show you exactly how this revolutionary device defeats modern theft methods. You will learn how it provides unmatched protection and, crucially, how to find a trusted, professional installer to safeguard your investment. It’s time to stop worrying and secure your peace of mind.

Why Your Car’s Standard Security Is No Longer Enough

Vehicle theft in the UK is a persistent and growing threat. With a car stolen approximately every four minutes, the reality is stark: the security systems fitted by manufacturers are failing to protect vehicles from determined criminals. The convenience of modern keyless entry has, unfortunately, created a critical vulnerability that thieves are now exploiting with alarming efficiency.

You lock your car and walk away, confident it is secure. But for today’s tech-savvy thief, your vehicle’s standard protection is merely a puzzle they have already solved. They no longer need to smash a window or force a lock; they can gain access and drive away in seconds, often without leaving a trace.

The Rise of Relay Attacks and Key Cloning

The most common method used to steal modern cars is the relay attack. It is a silent and shockingly simple process. Thieves work in pairs using specialist relay devices:

• Step 1: One criminal stands near your home or office, holding a device that captures the signal from your car key-even through walls, doors, and windows.
• Step 2: This signal is relayed to a second device held by an accomplice standing next to your vehicle.
• Step 3: Your car is tricked into believing the key is present. It unlocks, the engine starts, and your vehicle is gone.

Another prevalent threat is key cloning via the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port. Thieves gain entry and use a programmer to create a new, functional key in minutes, completely bypassing your car’s original security protocols.

How Factory-Fitted Immobilisers Are Bypassed

Manufacturers install the same security systems across thousands of vehicles, making them a predictable target. The traditional standard vehicle immobiliser, while once a deterrent, operates on principles that organised criminals have systematically defeated. Thieves invest in specialist electronic tools designed specifically to override these factory systems.

Because these methods involve no physical damage, there is no sign of forced entry, which can complicate insurance claims. This is precisely why an aftermarket, hidden solution is superior. The Ghost Immobiliser integrates directly with your vehicle’s CAN bus network, creating a digital barrier that is completely invisible to thieves and their diagnostic tools. It provides the robust, next-generation protection that standard systems simply cannot offer.

What Is a Ghost Immobiliser and How Does It Work?

The Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser is a next-generation vehicle security system. Unlike traditional alarms, it is a covert device that integrates directly with your car’s electronics, offering a silent, invisible layer of protection. Its primary advantage is its discretion; there are no key fobs to clone, no LED lights to give away its location, and no additional wiring that thieves can easily trace. It makes starting your vehicle impossible for anyone without the unique, user-defined PIN code.

This system provides a robust defence against the sophisticated methods used by modern criminals, including key cloning, relay theft, and OBD port hacking. It is the ultimate safeguard for your valuable asset.

The ‘Invisible’ Defence: CAN Bus Integration

Every modern vehicle uses a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus to manage its electronic systems-think of it as the car’s digital nervous system. The ghost immobiliser communicates silently on this network. Because it uses the vehicle’s own internal systems, it requires no extra wiring looms that would be a giveaway to thieves. Its tiny size allows our technicians to install it discreetly, making it virtually impossible to find. This digital integration means it cannot be bypassed by key-cloning or relay attack tools, rendering many modern vehicle theft techniques completely ineffective.

Your Unique PIN: Using Your Car’s Own Buttons

There are no fobs to carry, lose, or have stolen. Instead, you disarm the immobiliser with a unique PIN sequence that you choose. This code is entered using your vehicle’s existing buttons. The sequence can be a combination of presses on the:

• Steering wheel controls
• Dashboard buttons
• Window or door controls

The sequence is completely customisable and can be changed at any time. Unless a thief knows your specific code, they cannot start the engine, even if they have your keys.

Everyday Use: Service Mode and Smartphone Control

The Ghost is designed for maximum security with minimum intrusion into your daily life. When your vehicle needs to go to a garage or be handled by a valet, you can activate ‘Service Mode’. This temporarily disables the immobiliser without you ever having to reveal your PIN. For added convenience, an optional smartphone app allows you to disarm the system automatically via a secure Bluetooth connection, so you can just get in and drive. It’s powerful protection that works around you.

The Autowatch Ghost 2: Unbeatable Features & Benefits

When securing your vehicle, not all security systems are created equal. The Autowatch Ghost 2 stands as the market-leading solution, offering a level of protection that outpaces both thieves and inferior imitation devices. Its power lies in a unique, covert design and a set of features engineered to defeat every known modern theft tactic.

Complete Protection from Modern Theft Methods

The Ghost 2 provides a formidable defence against the sophisticated techniques used by today’s car thieves. It renders their most effective tools useless, ensuring your vehicle remains exactly where you left it.

• Relay Attack & Key Cloning Immunity: Thieves can amplify your key’s signal or clone it, but they cannot discover your unique PIN code. Without this sequence entered via your car’s own buttons, the engine will not start.
• OBD Port & Key Programming Defence: Criminals often hack the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port to program a new key. The Ghost blocks this communication, making unauthorised key programming impossible.
• ECU Swapping Protection: A determined thief might try swapping your vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) with their own to bypass factory security. The Ghost is hardwired to your car’s CAN network, making this tactic ineffective.

The conclusion is simple: even if a thief has your original keys, they cannot drive your car. The Ghost provides the ultimate final layer of security.

TASSA Verified: A Crucial Mark of Trust

The Autowatch Ghost 2 is not just effective; it is officially recognised. It is a TASSA (Tracking & Aftermarket Security System Association) Verified product. TASSA is a governing body of security industry experts, recognised by UK police forces and major insurers, who rigorously test and approve aftermarket security systems.

This verification is your guarantee of quality and performance. To maintain this standard, a ghost immobiliser must be installed by a TASSA-approved engineer, ensuring the installation is flawless and covert. Furthermore, many insurance companies recognise TASSA-approved devices, which can potentially lead to reduced annual premiums. It is a clear signal to your insurer that you have taken the highest level of proactive security measures.

Your peace of mind is paramount. Verify our TASSA-approved status for your peace of mind.

The Installation Process: Why Professional Fitting is Essential

A security device is only as strong as its installation. While the Ghost Immobiliser represents the pinnacle of anti-theft technology, its effectiveness is entirely dependent on a professional, covert fitting. A DIY or unqualified installation creates a critical vulnerability, giving thieves a weak point to exploit. To safeguard your vehicle properly, professional fitting is not just a recommendation; it is essential.

Choosing a TASSA-Approved Installer

Insisting on a TASSA (Tracking & Aftermarket Security System Association) approved installer is the only way to guarantee a secure fit. These technicians are vetted, highly trained, and regularly audited to ensure they meet stringent UK standards. Their primary skill is knowing your vehicle’s architecture, allowing them to place the tiny ghost immobiliser in the most concealed and unpredictable locations. This professional approach ensures the device is invisible to thieves and prevents any risk of electrical faults. Upon completion, you receive a TASSA certificate, which can help lower your insurance premiums.

What to Expect on Installation Day with Lock and Track

At Lock and Track, we provide a seamless and convenient nationwide mobile service. We come to your home or workplace, saving you time and hassle. Our expert technician will ensure your system is perfectly configured for your needs.

• Personal Consultation: The engineer will begin by discussing your preferred PIN code, helping you choose a secure and memorable sequence using your vehicle’s existing buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Covert Integration: The device is then meticulously woven into your vehicle’s wiring loom and CAN bus network. The process is silent, discreet, and leaves no physical evidence that a security system has been fitted.
• Full Demonstration: Once the installation is complete, our technician provides a comprehensive handover. You will be shown exactly how to use the system, including arming/disarming, changing the PIN, and activating Service Mode for garage visits.

You are left with total peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is protected by a flawlessly installed, market-leading security system. To arrange your fitting with a certified expert, contact Lock and Track today.

Ghost Immobiliser vs. GPS Trackers: Which Do You Need?

When safeguarding your vehicle, a common question arises: should you install an immobiliser or a tracker? The answer depends on understanding their distinct roles. These systems are not competitors; they are partners in a comprehensive security strategy. One prevents theft, while the other facilitates recovery.

Choosing the right protection means knowing the difference. An immobiliser is your proactive defence. A tracker is your reactive recovery asset. For complete peace of mind, the best solution involves both.

Prevention (Immobiliser) vs. Recovery (Tracker)

The Ghost Immobiliser is your first and most powerful line of defence. It physically prevents thieves from starting your vehicle, even if they have cloned your key or stolen it. It is designed to stop the theft before it happens. Think of it as a high-security lock on your front door-it keeps intruders out entirely.

A Thatcham-approved GPS tracker, such as an S5 or S7 system, is the backup plan. If your vehicle is stolen-perhaps by being lifted onto a recovery truck-the tracker’s job begins. It provides real-time location data to a secure control centre and the police, enabling a swift recovery. This is your CCTV system, identifying the culprit and tracking their movements after the break-in.

The Ultimate Security Package: Ghost & Tracker

For unparalleled security, a layered approach is the industry standard. A ghost immobiliser and a GPS tracker work in tandem to create a near-impenetrable shield against theft. This combination addresses every method used by modern criminals.

• The Ghost stops drive-away theft. It defeats key cloning, relay attacks, and key theft by requiring a unique PIN code before the engine will start.
• The Tracker stops tow-away theft. If the vehicle is moved without the engine running, the tracker sends an instant alert, and the recovery process is initiated.

This dual-layer strategy is highly recommended-and often required-by insurers for high-value and performance vehicles, as it dramatically reduces the risk of permanent loss. It is the definitive statement in vehicle protection, ensuring your asset is both secured and recoverable.

To build your complete security solution, you need both layers of protection. Explore our S5 Trackers to pair with your Ghost Immobiliser.

Your Next Step Towards Total Vehicle Security

Modern vehicle theft is sophisticated. Standard factory-fitted security systems are no longer a sufficient deterrent against determined criminals using relay attacks and key cloning. The Autowatch ghost immobiliser provides a truly invisible and powerful defence, creating a unique disarm sequence that makes unauthorised starting impossible. Its effectiveness, however, is entirely dependent on correct, professional installation.

Don’t leave your vehicle’s safety to chance. At Lock and Track, our team of TASSA Approved Installers provides a nationwide mobile fitting service, bringing the highest standard of security directly to you. As an official Autowatch Approved Dealer, we guarantee a flawless installation for ultimate peace of mind.

Secure Your Vehicle Today with a Professional Ghost Immobiliser Installation.

Take control and safeguard your asset. Your vehicle is protected. Your mind is at rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Ghost Immobiliser legal in the UK and TASSA approved?

Yes, the Ghost Immobiliser is completely legal for use in the United Kingdom. Crucially, it is also TASSA (Tracking & Aftermarket Security System Association) approved. This certification is recognised by major UK insurance companies, often leading to reduced premiums. TASSA approval verifies the product’s quality, performance, and the credentials of the installer, providing you with total peace of mind that you are fitting a tested and trusted security solution to your vehicle.

Can a determined thief bypass or remove a Ghost Immobiliser?

Bypassing a Ghost Immobiliser is exceptionally difficult and time-consuming for thieves. Unlike traditional alarms, it has no radio signals to intercept and no key fobs to clone. The device is silently integrated into your vehicle’s CAN bus network, leaving no visible trace. A thief would need to know your unique PIN sequence and physically find the hidden device, a near-impossible task under pressure. This robust design makes it a formidable deterrent against modern theft tactics.

Will installing a Ghost Immobiliser void my vehicle’s warranty?

No, a professionally installed Ghost Immobiliser will not void your vehicle’s warranty. The system is designed for non-invasive installation. It does not involve cutting or splicing wires; instead, it communicates directly with the vehicle’s existing electronic systems via the CAN bus. This means the installation is fully reversible and leaves no permanent modifications. Always use a certified technician to ensure your warranty is protected and the installation is flawless.

What happens if I forget my PIN code or sell the car?

Your security is never compromised. If you forget your PIN, you can use the unique emergency override code provided on a secure card at the time of installation. Keep this card safe and separate from your vehicle. When selling the car, you can activate ‘Valet Mode’ to temporarily disable the immobiliser. For a permanent handover, your installer can securely decommission the device, ensuring a simple and safe transfer of ownership for the new keeper.

Which cars are compatible with the Autowatch Ghost 2 Immobiliser?

The Autowatch Ghost 2 is compatible with a vast range of modern vehicles that use a CAN bus network. This includes most models from leading manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and many more. Compatibility is constantly being updated to include new vehicles. To confirm if your specific make, model, and year is supported, it is essential to consult the official compatibility list or speak directly with your certified installer.

How much does a Ghost Immobiliser cost to have professionally installed?

The cost for a professionally supplied and fitted Ghost Immobiliser in the UK typically ranges from £499 to £599. This price includes the device itself and the vital TASSA-approved installation by a certified technician. This is a one-off payment for a lifetime of protection. There are no monthly subscriptions or ongoing fees, making it a highly cost-effective investment in your vehicle’s security and your own peace of mind. Protect your asset today.

Does a Ghost Immobiliser drain the car’s battery?

No, the Ghost Immobiliser has been engineered for maximum efficiency. It draws a negligible amount of power from the vehicle’s battery, typically less than 10 milliamps. This consumption is significantly lower than the vehicle’s own onboard computers in standby mode. You can leave your car parked for extended periods without any concern for battery drain. Your vehicle will remain secure and ready to start as soon as you enter your unique PIN code.