Abstract: A stolen object location system having a base station, a location network and an object unit which is associated with the object to be located. The location system is capable of operating in a plurality of different location modes ranging from simple triangulation to LORAN. The base station, upon being notified that the object has been stolen, will transmit a locate request message to the object unit specifying the location mode to be used and the transmission frequency of the object unit's transmitter. An electronic control in the object unit will control the operation of the object unit's receiver and transmitter in accordance with the location mode and transmission frequency specified in the locate request message.