What is a Thatcham security system?

At the beginning of 1990 the problem with car crime had reach epidemic proportions in the United Kingdom. Motor Insurance premiums were soaring and some high risk vehicles such as the VW Golf GTI were becoming virtually uninsurable in some areas of the country.

The ABI (Association of British Insurers) asked for the assistance of the EVSA (Electronic Vehicle Security Association), to combat the rising tide of car crime. With the support of government bodies and all parties involved with this problem, the british insurance industries own test centre at Thatcham in Berkshire was given the task of establishing a set of criteria for the testing of security products.

This initiative resulted in the first Thatcham criteria for passenger car security products in 1993. Since that time Thatcham have released criteria that cover the testing of security products to Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Goods Vehicles and motorcycles. Thatcham now list over 200 products on its approved lists.

Thatcham testing is very rigorous. It covers the electronic integrity of the product, quality of build and the level of security. Each product must withstand a comprehensive 'attack test'. The police are in constant communication with the Thatcham test centre to ensure that they are up to date on all of the latest methods employed by car thieves.

The Thatcham Categories

Category 1 - These are systems which immobilise the vehicle and also give an alarm warning if there is intrusion to the vehicle. An Ital Thatcham Category 1 system will offer the highest level of security on the market.

Category 2 - These systems only offer vehicle immobilisation. Whilst a category 2 system will ensure that your car will not be stolen it will not protect the contents of your car.

Category 2-1 - Systems that allow you to upgrade a vehicle which is already fitted with a category 2 immobiliser to a full category 1 specification.