Matt Penhall and Robert Layton launched the Pro-tekt Asset Protection GPS vechicle tracking system, which has undergone an 18 month period of development at Ballarat Technology Park’s Startup Hub, last weekend.

“All software and apps have been developed here in Ballarat by some amazingly talented local guys, and I am very proud of what has been achieved by this team, as this is a high end system that is affordable for anyone,” Mr Penhall said. 

“With 57,000 vehicles stolen annually (156 per day) the problem of vehicle theft is an ever increasing issue, and we have developed our easy to use system in an effort to tackle this problem head on.”

Along with a spate in aggravated burglaries, Ballarat has seen a surge in motor vehicle thefts this year, with the total coming to 567, in comparsion to 521 last year.

“Basically as an auto-electrician, I saw a gap in the market and wanted to make something easier and more attainable for consumers.” Mr Penhall said. 

“I met with Robert Layton and he wrote all the code and program with Matthew Deal, who works for him.” 

The 3g GPS system will make it easier for owners to keep a tab on where their vehicle is after a lot of devices were made redundant due to the 2g closure.  

“We handle connectivity and all data storage, you can access Current and Historical locations 24/7 via our Pro-tekt App and we also have a Live Tracking and other functions built into our system,” Mr Penhall said.

“Cars, motorcycles, trucks, earth moving gear, caravans, boats.. Whatever you would like to fit it to is possible, and we are also developing a tradie trailer kit which will be available soon.”

Mr Penhall said the device has already had a lot of interest, including on social media. A fleet company company has also expressed interest in the tracker. 

For more information regarding the device, visit pro-tekt.com.au or lab79.io.