Garmin Tracking GPS?

As far as I am aware the GPS only receives positioning data from satallites.
It does not (cannot) send data to the satellites and therefore pinpointing a device is not feasible.
Besides, can you imagine +1 million GPS units 'uploading' info to the satellites? The bandwidth usage would be incredible.
Maybe in the future but not right now I think...

Actually, if you setup your Garmin nuvi 660 (probably same with other models) with the security lock (with a PIN number) enabled, your unit will not work if it is stolen and the thief can't guess the PIN. The GPS unit will only unlock itself when it is returned to the "home" location that you saved into the unit (hopefully). Not quite as good as having your GPS call the cops, give its GPS location, yell "I'm being stolen!" in many different languages and accents, etc. So, it renders itself useless until it detects your home location. I don't use that mode because I hate having to enter the PIN when powered on. Instead i put my name and phone # on the unit with "reward for safe return", hoping to keep the honest folks honest.

Being able to track a stolen GPS unit would be ideal, but since it can't presently send any info.................
I have a C330. It doesn't have the lock feature, so I did the same thing, I put my name and phone number on the splash screen. Hopefully, it can be recovered if it is ever purloined.

The GPS is a reciever only, like the radio in your car. Since it is only a reciever, it can't be tracked.

I'm also not sure I would want to be tracked. I don't wear a tinfoil helmet, am not afraid of big brother watching me, but I don't think I like the idea of being tracked. Just my opinion.

As far as putting your name on your unit...do you really want the theif to know where you live? Not to sound snooty, but a thief would assume that if we can afford an expensive "toy", then we'll have lots of toys, and they will want them.

I also heard a story about a woman who had her GPS stolen, the theif then found out where she lived and attacked her at her home. While I am sure this is an urban legend, it creeped me out enough to not put my home location in the unit, and I am a big ol' ugly guy.

The best prevention? Simply take the GPSr with you. They are not that large, and taking it with you keeps it out of the hands of those unscrupulous enough to steal it. Also, take the mount off your window, the mount is a key to the theives that there is something worth stealing in your car.

I've had to have the suction cup replaced a few times, because I take it off when I am out of the car. I finally called to complain the third time, and the rep suggested the "friction mount", AKA bean bag. They sent it at no charge, and I honestly love it.

The bean bag is easy to set up, easy to hide, doesn't slip (much), unless I am driving harder and faster than legal...and we all know none of us do that

Garmin is great to work with, depending on who answers the phone...and if I get someone who is having a bad day, I try again, although the wait times have been bad lately.

Speaking of the Garmin lock feature - I don't see how this is useful in preventing theft because the thief won't know that the feature is enabled until after they steal it. I doubt they would say "oh - this unit is useless to me so I better return it".

Just a satisfaction to know that your stolen GPSr can not be used and your address are some what safe.

Don't even know why they called it an anti-thief feature either.

The concept behind the anti-theft feature is that if word gets out among the thieving types that Garmins have the lock feature and that if you steal one you won't be able to use it, then hopefully that will reduce the "attractiveness" of the units as targets for their pilferage. Not a bad idea, but unfortunately it requires that enought units get stolen so that word gets out. I just hope mine is not one of them! Also one tip, when you pop the suction cup off of the windshield, wipe away the tell tale ring on the glass. Can't hurt and might just save you window and Garmin.

Some laptops can tell you they are stolen when you plug them into the Internet. I wonder if Garmin can add this feature, notify of location when plugged into a computer.

Jen