If their vehicle is stolen, the owners of the new Fiat Ducato and E-Ducato trucks will receive a text message. 

Provided as part of the Fiat Professional My Uconnect app, the theft assistance feature can detect potential break-ins. 

If the van is towed away without authorization, or the battery is disconnected, the app will also alert the owner.

Recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show that more than 92,000 cars were stolen in the UK last year. Among the top 10 stolen vehicles, trucks accounted for 7 vehicles.

The anti-theft assistance function of Fiat Professional will send text messages to the car owner, and can also send email reminders. Application notifications or answering calls can also warn the owner of theft. 

After receiving the alert, the Fiat My Assistance operator will locate the GPS coordinates of the truck. This is similar to the "Find My Phone" feature on modern smartphones, allowing car owners to track their trucks.

Fiat said its latest technology also allows police to track stolen trucks.

When the truck stops moving, the engine will automatically stop and the ignition will be disabled.

Richard Chamberlain, Managing Director of Fiat Professional, said: "In England and Wales, a car is stolen approximately every 10 minutes. This is worrying and car owners will avoid this experience at all costs.

"This innovative theft assistive technology will undoubtedly give current and future owners of Ducato and E-Ducato peace of mind that their trucks and property are in the safest hands."

Theft assistance is provided as part of the free My Uconnect app for the Fiat Professional truck series. Many services can be accessed via Apple or Android smartphones or the van’s own Uconnect multimedia screen. 

Collision assistance, roadside assistance and navigation functions are also included. Owners of electric E-Ducato can also get support to find charging equipment.

Renault shock: sporadic Euro NCAP safety rating for electric Zoe

Jenson Button tests the new Radford 62-2 sports car for the first time

One in five drivers ignore the dashboard warning lights

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time you comment.