Motorists looking to take advantage of the Lo Jack antitheft system will have to wait a little longer for it to come on stream, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Cynthia Pratt.
She said the system is expected to be available in the country by the end of the year.
The Lo Jack device could be installed in both private and public motor vehicles. In the evident a vehicle is stolen, police would be able to track its whereabouts in seconds.
Mrs. Pratt said that while the government had hoped to have the system fully operational months ago, technical issues arose, slowing down its implementation.
“[Engineers] are well on their way,” she said. “They had promised that they were trying to get it up and running for the beginning of the year. That didnﾒt materialize because there was a lot more technical work to be done. Thatﾒs why we are running a little bit behind schedule.”
According to the deputy prime minister, Lo Jack engineers visited The Bahamas on three occasions in the past month. She said that two antennae were erected and system hardware was installed.
“The system is therefore installed. Some tweaking to improve reception is being done,” Mrs. Pratt added. “Officials from police communications met with Lo Jack personnel on Monday.”
She also reported that government officials had an opportunity to go to Florida to see the system in action.
While not saying how much the system would cost motorists, Mrs. Pratt said it is something that is worth having in the country because it could assist in deterring crime.
“Most of the criminal behavior begins with a stolen vehicle,” she said. “We are well on our way to executing this plan.”
Referring to insurance executives, Mrs. Pratt said, “They have supported this whole-heartedly because it helps the insurance companies because they would have less stolen vehicles that they have to account for and pay out monies for. This is something that they have agreed to and they are onboard.”
By: Stephen Gay, The Bahama Journal
