Cheers to That: Software Helps Recover Stolen Pop-Up Bar
More than a million U.S. vehicles were stolen in 20221. And also in 20232. In 2024, theft at the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, tripled in the past year alone, with a vehicle stolen almost every day.3
The post-pandemic rise in vehicle theft has been fueled by better-organized and better-equipped thieves4, and in response Ford is adding new features as part of a security package debuting on F-150.
The Ford Security Package includes theft and tampering notifications, a new feature in the FordPass app that prevents your truck from being started even with a key, and a 24/7 hotline with agents that work with police to recover a stolen vehicle.
“Our vision for security at Ford is to one day build an un-stealable vehicle.”Christian Moran, Ford general manager of Safety and Security Services
It’s available for enrolled F-Series truck customers for $7.99 a month. All Ford Security Package-eligible vehicles come with one year of service included at purchase.
Start Inhibit is new for retail customers. It allows F-Series owners enrolled in the Ford Security Package to disable their vehicle in the FordPass app, preventing it from being started, even by someone with a key. This allows owners to leave their vehicle at the airport worry-free, ensure a feisty teenager can’t take mom’s truck for an unauthorized ride, or just add an extra layer of security.
To develop the right product for F-Series owners, the Ford Security team studied the unique needs of truck owners, researched theft methods and patterns, and leaned on the success of similar theft recovery products in global Ford vehicle programs and in Ford’s commercial vehicles business, Ford Pro.
“Our vision for security at Ford is to one day build an un-stealable vehicle,” said Christian Moran, general manager of Safety and Security Services at Ford. “Thieves are using increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, and it’s important that our system simultaneously introduces physical, electronic, and communication-based barriers to a thief’s success."
These features are being introduced on select 2024 and 2025 F-150 and Super Duty vehicles on a rolling basis. Eligible F-Series vehicles already include Theft Alerts, or FordPass app notifications that activate if your truck is tampered with. They also include Stolen Vehicle Services — a dedicated 800 number staffed by live agents who will work directly with law enforcement to help track and recover your truck if it’s stolen.
Stolen Vehicle Services was introduced in select F-Series vehicles last year after successful introduction in 22 European countries beginning in 2021.
The Ford Security Package will be offered on additional vehicles in future model years.
Vehicles enrolled in Ford Security Package may require a software update in order to access Start Inhibit. Please contact us at 866-861-0420 for assistance.
1https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/nicb-joins-nhtsa-put-brakes-vehicle-theft
3https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/task-force-working-problem-car-thefts-hartsfield-jackson-airport
5Ford Security Package requires FordPass® app, modem activation, and an activated plan. Equipped Ford vehicles come with a one-year included trial from new vehicle warranty start date, after which purchase is required. Available on select 2024-2025 F-150 (excluding F-150 Lightning) and Super Duty trucks. Requires vehicle connectivity and a connected mobile device with enabled push notifications. Terms apply.
