Bolton firm Informer International has developed a telephone-based security system that, when triggered, sends an alarm alert to a pre-determined phone number.

On sale by November, Informer uses a passive infra red/motion tilt detection system. When activated it will alert the first of three numbers programmed in by the owner.

The system operates on a pre-paid SIM card and is no bigger than a packet of king-size cigarettes. It can be self-installed and has no keypad or display screen, making it easy to conceal. The Informer is charged by the vehicle's 12-volt battery system.

“Total domestic vehicle-related thefts in England and Wales are running at around 2.6m a year - over 7000 a day,” says an Informer spokesman.

“Both the reality of crime and the fear of crime drives consumers to spend millions of pounds on security-related products every year.”

He claims an “overwhelming response” from retailers, the public, business, the police and insurance companies.

“This has given us the confidence that the market will be big enough and we have commissioned a major international electronics corporation to develop the product with us,” he adds.