The deputies attempted to call VW Car-Net so they could assist in locating the car. Unfortunately, they were advised by a Car-Net representative that the owner’s trial period had ended, and they would have to pay $150 to restart the tracking device BEFORE they would begin assisting in locating the vehicle.
VW Wouldn’t Help Locate Car With Abducted Child Because GPS Subscription Expired
Newer cars these days have many safety options and features. Volkswagen, for example, uses a third-party vendor to provide Volkswagen Car-Net, an option available to owners through activation of pre-paid plan. The features on the plan vary depending on the model of the vehicle and the software version in the vehicle. Plans automatically renew at the end of the term for the then-current year price and owners can choose to cancel at any time. Plans include emergency assistance, automatic crash notifications, anti-theft alerts and stolen vehicle location assistance and owners are able to activate these features remotely. Very convenient features, especially in a situation where the vehicle has been stolen. And the other side of that coin is, if the subscription isn’t active or it has expired, then you don’t receive the features, which is understandable. There should be exceptions to this rule, especially in situations involving a stolen vehicle with a child inside.
On February 23, 2023, near a Chicago, Illinois, suburb, a mother arrived home and was bringing one of her two children inside the house when two men pulled up to her home, began beating her, stole her SUV, and ran over her as they drove away. In the back of the stolen SUV was her 2-year-old child whom she hadn’t brought in the house yet. Luckily, she was able to call 911 and the Sheriff’s deputies responded.
The deputies attempted to call VW Car-Net so they could assist in locating the car. Unfortunately, they were advised by a Car-Net representative that the owner’s trial period had ended, and they would have to pay $150 to restart the tracking device BEFORE they would begin assisting in locating the vehicle with the endangered child inside. Over 30 minutes went by before a detective was able to obtain a credit card number and pay the $150. The representative then provided the GPS location of the vehicle.
While they were waiting, authorities had already located the vehicle and the child before the VW Car-Net representative provided the location.
Volkswagen provided a statement and indicated that a procedure in place exists when law enforcement requests emergency assistance. The procedure has successfully worked in the past. However, in this instance, they admit that a “serious breach” occurred and are addressing the situation and all parties that were involved.
We are happy to report that the child was found safe, and the mother is still hospitalized in stable condition.
