The TECH that promises to slash vehicle theft in South Africa
It promises to be an affordable, non-OEM technology that could slash vehicle theft in South Africa. Here’s what it entails …
Promising to slash vehicle theft in South Africa, meet Eagle Eye Defence (EED)‘s biometric security. As we know, crime and particularly vehicle is a major concern in South Africa. Crime syndicates are getting more sophisticated to defeat common immobiliser and keyless-entry tech. And yet, despite the emphasis on tracking devices from insurance companies, vehicle theft in South Africa shows no sign of slowing.
VEHICLE THEFT IN SOUTH AFRICA
That’s why Eagle Eye Defence (EED) is bringing to market a non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) biometric security system. As reported by TopAuto, you simply scan your fingerprint to authenticate yourself as the rightful owner of the car. Otherwise it won’t unlock or start the engine.
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The idea of OEM biometric security is nothing new in the car world. Many brands have showcased fingerprint, eye and facial recognition tech in their concept cars. However, precious few have made the tech a reality in production cars available to the public.
AFTERMARKET SYSTEM
Eagle Eye Defence (EED) says biometric security is safer than an immobiliser because the latter’s software can simply be overwritten with the right knowhow. “It gives you the ultimate protection that we as everyday consumers are looking for. Biometric access should not be a luxury in South Africa, it’s more of a necessity. Hijackings have increased from about 38 vehicles daily, to around 60 vehicles,” says EED co-founder, Iviwe Mosana.
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Still only in the startup process, the firm intends to launch its product by June 2024. The cost is estimated to be anywhere between R400 to R580 per month on a subscription model. Installation shouldn’t take more than two and a half hours. The startup is also developing facial recognition and eye scans in its attempts to slash vehicle theft in South Africa.
DISCREET IS SAFE
EED says, for now, it prefers to position the fingerprint recognition device in a discreet location. If a criminal manages to start the vehicle, the biometric system will alert the owner through an app on their smartphone and allow them to cut the engine from 100 metres away. Provisional approval from the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) has been given and the system is now in the final phase of testing. Any interested motorists can contact EED through Mosana HERE.
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