Abstract: A stolen asset locating system includes a first locating device ‘LD’ associated with a first asset and having a first wireless communication unit for communicating over a public mobile radio network PMRN with any of: an operations control centre; a second LD associated with a second asset; or a mobile location tracking system. A second wireless communication unit uses a different wireless technology or protocol to that of the first wireless communication unit. When the second communication unit is a private radio frequency network ‘PRFN’ operated by an asset location system service provider, the first LD may use the second communication unit to communicate directly with the second LD to convey information. When the second communication unit communicates on a public radio network PRN, the first LD may communicate on a PRN, when it is determined that communication cannot be transmitted by the first LD using the PMRN.

Abstract: A stolen asset locating and recovery system comprises: a first locating device (LD) associated with a first asset. The first LD has a first wireless communication unit comprising a public mobile radio network (PMRN) enabled communication unit for communicating over a PMRN such as a GSM/GPRS network with any of: an operations control center; a second LD associated with a second asset; or a mobile location tracking system. The first LD has a second wireless communication unit. The second wireless communication unit uses a different wireless technology or protocol to that of the PMRN enabled communication unit. In the case where the second communication unit is a private radio frequency network (PRFN) operated by the asset location system service provider, the first LD is configured to use said second communication unit to communicate directly over said PRFN with the second LD in order to convey information such as a preprogrammed sequence of signals which assists locating and recovering said asset.

Abstract: A method is provided for locating an asset equipped with a transponder which issues coded signals when activated by a control communication received from a communication source or by a local event. The coded signals enable a tracking unit to direction find said asset. The method comprises the steps of: providing said tracking unit with map data compatible with a navigation system on-board the tracking unit; and displaying a location indicated by said map data on a map display of said navigation device, wherein said map data is indicative of a search location for the asset and the likely best route for recovery of the asset.

Abstract: A stolen asset locating and recovery system comprises: a first locating device (LD) associated with a first asset. The first LD has a first wireless communication unit comprising a public mobile radio network (PMRN) enabled communication unit for communicating over a PMRN such as a GSM/GPRS network with any of: an operations control centre; a second LD associated with a second asset; or a mobile location tracking system. The first LD has a second wireless communication unit. The second wireless communication unit uses a different wireless technology or protocol to that of the PMRN enabled communication unit. In the case where the second communication unit is a private radio frequency network (PRFN) operated by the asset location system service provider, the first LD is configured to use said second communication unit to communicate directly over said PRFN with the second LD in order to convey information such as a preprogrammed sequence of signals which assists locating and recovering said asset.