Every year, thousands of students head off to college, bringing their laptops, bikes, and often their cars with them. All of these vehicles quickly become lifelines, whether for commuting to an internship, or weekend trips. Unfortunately, car theft, vandalism, and break-ins are serious issues that continue to rise on college campuses across America. 

That's where technology plays a role. Namely, a GPS for vehicle tracking is one of the most powerful methods of preventing vehicle crime on campus. With the best GPS car tracking devices like ShadowGPS, which provide smarter, sleeker, and more reliable tracking solutions, students and parents have finally gained peace of mind, knowing their vehicles are more secure and safer than ever. 

Let's discuss some of the ways best GPS car tracking devices protect student vehicles, and why college campuses are seeing a higher demand for vehicle safety solutions like GPS. And I will provide you with information on how ShadowGPS makes all this easy with affordable and easy-to-use products that are making students safer in their vehicles and on campus.

Why Vehicle Crime on Campuses Is a Growing Problem?

College campuses are busy and vibrant, but they are also hotspots for thieves. Here are a few reasons why: 

• Lots of vehicle traffic: In parking lots or garages, you can often find hundreds of student vehicles in one place, allowing for a much less likely chance of being seen or recognized by anyone nearby.

• Limited video surveillance: Not all campus parking areas are monitored by either a camera or police or security officers, and even those that are do not cover every single corner 24/7.

• Attending left valuables in cars: Students are likely to leave laptops, backpacks, or electronics in their cars, opening the door for thieves to break into vehicles. 

In boroughs or municipalities where colleges are located, car thefts and thefts from vehicles are often cited, as there is an increase during the fall/spring semesters. For students, a stolen car is more than an inconvenience and an expense; it can disrupt their school schedule, one or more jobs, and compromise their general sense of safety. 

The best GPS trackers are a worthwhile consideration for student vehicles. In case a car is stolen, it can be tracked for recovery. There is no substitute for the peace of mind that real-time monitoring and recovery provide, which is a key benefit of the best GPS monitoring trackers.

What Is a Vehicle GPS Tracker, and How Does It Help?

A vehicle-tracking GPS is a small device that can be mounted on a car, using satellites to provide accurate location updates in real-time. With these best GPS car tracking devices, owners can:

• Track their vehicles 24/7 with their web dashboards or mobile applications

• Receive alerts when a car is moving outside of a designated area (geofencing)

• Locate a stolen vehicle quickly with real-time location

• View driving habits and unknown use

For the campus, this technology can determine whether your vehicle is lost or will be recovered within hours. Police departments have touted best GPS tracking systems for vehicles for law enforcement because it enables them to respond more quickly and effectively with the use of this technology. Police officers are not looking blindly for the vehicle, but can pinpoint exactly where it is located and coordinate a more direct recovery.

Benefits of GPS Tracking for Students and Parents

Peace of Mind for Parents

Parents want to feel secure knowing their student's vehicle is safe, especially if parked in off-campus lots or a less familiar neighborhood. Real-time vehicle tracking provides peace of mind without being overly intrusive.

Theft Prevention And Recovery 

Depending on the sophistication of the criminals, they may reconsider the prospect of stealing a car equipped with GPS technology.  And if not, it will absolutely make recovery easier.  A best GPS tracker device for vehicle protection can transition from recovery over a period of days or weeks to recovery in just hours with the right tracking technology. 

Protection From Unauthorized Use 

If someone borrows or even tries to use the car without permission, the parent or student can be immediately notified and be aware of unusual activity, which might be important when key holders are multiple or cars are left unattended for long periods of time. 

Cost-Effective Security 

The financial implications of a car being stolen or lost may result in thousands of dollars in replacement and/or repair costs, may take an emotional toll, and place all planning for transportation alternatives in flux.  Considering all factors, a relatively small investment in vehicle tracking technology is indeed a relatively small investment.  Typically, a good GPS for vehicle tracking can be purchased for under $100.

How ShadowGPS Protects Student Vehicles?

At ShadowGPS, we recognize the need for students and families to have an affordable, trustworthy, and easy-to-install GPS device, so we designed our products specifically for real-life use cases, such as campus security.

ShadowAuto: Plug & Play GPS Tracker

• Real-time tracking with no lag

• Quick plug-and-play installation requiring no technical expertise

• Increased vehicle security without complicated wiring or professional installation

• The best GPS tracker for vehicles protection, offering easy setup and minimal maintenance requirements.

ShadowTrack: Place & Trace GPS Tracker

• Discreet, portable, and versatile

• Battery life of 10-14 days

• Magnetic case for hidden placement anywhere on the vehicle

• Great for students who park off-campus and want a less visible option, which would be less obvious to thieves.

Both trackers are designed for precision tracking and reliability, making them two great options for campus vehicle protection. Both work with smartphone apps that offer a range of notifications and exceed tracking and location history reports.

Real-Life Scenarios: How Students Benefit from GPS Tracking

1. Quick Recovery After Theft

Late at night, a student's car is stolen from a dorm parking lot. She is using ShadowAuto, shares the live location with the police, and the vehicle is retrieved within a few hours — before any serious damage is done or it is taken apart for parts. 

2. Unauthorized Use Notification 

A roommate borrows a car without permission during spring break. The car owner has set up a geofence using the wireless best GPS car tracking devices. As soon as the vehicle leaves the campus boundary, the car owner receives an alert and can address the issue immediately. 

3. Late-Night Safety Checks 

Parents can log in to their app to verify that their student has returned safely to campus after a late-night study session or social event. Monitoring like this is passive, respects privacy, and can be a valuable safety verification, especially for younger drivers. 

4. Parking Lot Memory 

After a long day of classes, students can sometimes forget exactly where they parked in large campus parking lots.  A GPS for vehicle tracking makes it easy to find a parked car through the vehicle tracking mobile app's map display.

Choosing the Right GPS Tracker for Campus Life

When choosing a GPS tracker for college students, there are important features to consider: 

• Real-Time Tracking: This is crucial for rapid response and effective coordination of recovery efforts through law enforcement.

• Portability: Students may switch cars or living situations once they move off-campus, and they need the freedom and flexibility this moderation provides.

• Ease of Use: No complicated installation needed; students are busy and often do not have time for products that require installation or assembly.

• Battery Life: Longer battery life means less maintenance and fewer worries, especially during critical moments when the device may run out of power.

• Dependable Connectivity: The device being tracked must have a cellular or satellite connection, allowing it to provide accurate and timely tracking updates. 

ShadowGPS products meet all of these requirements with peace of mind and reliability. Our plug-and-play product line, ShadowAuto, is fully portable, as is ShadowTrack.  Parents and students alike appreciate the peace of mind offered by the practical use of ShadowGPS products, which can be made functional every day, not just in an emergency. 

Why ShadowGPS Stands Out?

• Value: The devices start at $79.99, making them a great option for students; and a reasonable choice for families.

• Proven Reliability: We've received positive feedback and have earned the trust of families and businesses. The positive reviews are a testament to the reliability of our solution.

• Real-Time Accuracy: You can get accurate track locations down to the specific street, which is super helpful for tracking your items for recovery.

• Easy Setup: No headaches, no long installation process, and no need to involve an installer. Simply plug in, sign into the app, and you can start tracking within about five minutes of receiving the device.

• Customer Support: You get a response when you need help or support with your device.

Whether you are a freshman living in a dorm or a senior commuting to your internships, ShadowGPS provides a scalable solution that keeps you and your vehicle safe. 

Final Thoughts

Crime is a reality on campus, but students will not be left feeling vulnerable. Utilizing the best GPS car tracking devices safety will help students prevent theft, track their vehicle, and feel more secure. Parents also benefit from knowing that their child's vehicle, and therefore, their safety, is being better protected.  

ShadowGPS makes it simple, too, with durable and easy-to-use products like ShadowAuto and ShadowTrack. Vehicle theft does not have to be a constant concern, hanging over the joy of a college experience. When you use modern GPS for vehicle tracking, you are making an active commitment to protection. Do not wait until something happens; instead, start protecting your vehicle today!

FAQs

How does a GPS tracker help recover a stolen vehicle? 

GPS trackers provide real-time location data that you can share with the police right after discovering theft. This will enable police to locate your car precisely, rather than searching blindly, and significantly speed up the recovery process from days to a few hours. 

Are GPS trackers difficult to install in student vehicles? 

Not at all. Devices like ShadowAuto feature a simple plug-and-play installation process that requires no technical knowledge or specialized tools. Simply plug it into your car's OBD port, and you are done. There are also portable trackers, such as ShadowTrack, which are even easier to use; simply place them anywhere on your car using the magnetic case. 

Can GPS trackers drain my car battery or affect performance? 

The best GPS tracking systems for vehicles draw minimal energy and will not drain your battery or interfere with your vehicle's performance. Plug-in models run off your car's existing power system and are highly energy-efficient; portable options come with their own battery and can last 10-14 hours.