Eircell and Telecom PhoneWatch have introduced a new security system which monitors the precise location of stolen cars and then passes the information to the Garda.

The system, Autowatch, operates using a unit hidden somewhere inside the car which sends a signal when the vehicle is opened or disturbed by an unauthorised individual.

This signal is transmitted in the form of a short message on the Eircell GSM network to a monitoring control centre which then tracks the car.

Once staff at the centre receive the signal, they contact the car through a speaker and ask the occupant for a password. If the occupant does not supply the password, the Garda is contacted immediately and given the location of the car which can be tracked using a detailed mapping system.

The small device is not necessarily hidden in the same position in each car. The system also includes a panic button which if pressed sends a message to the monitoring centre. It has an initial cost (including installation) of £649 and an annual monitoring charge of £299. The product will be available from December 14 from Telecom PhoneWatch. Customers do not need to be existing Eircell subscribers.

The two companies say the system can be used by private motorist and commercial vehicles transporting expensive commodities like microchips.

A spokesman for Eircell said the company was happy that thieves would find it extremely difficult to "find a way around the system".

For example, if somebody stole a car and drove it into an underground car park, the signal from the device might not be received, but the monitoring centre should have a good idea where the car park is located.

The monitoring centre can also "ring fence" an area so that the device is activated if the car leaves its boundaries.