Bolton man launches child tracking device, after family member's abduction

After a close family member was groomed online and abducted, entrepreneur Lee, from Bolton, set about creating a device to allow parents to safeguard young children.

"She was groomed on the internet and subsequently abducted. She thought he was 18 but he was in his 30s. He paid for her train ticket and when she got to him, she had her phone, everything taken off her and abducted her. There was a nationwide search for her and we managed to get her back, which was a good thing but I've seen the pain it's caused her and the damage it has caused to her family.

"Ever since then I've had a bee in my bonnet about internet access for children. It's fantastic but it's also incredibly dangerous and the sooner we accept that then we can start to help parents and change things."

Lee created Pin IT, a series of tracker watches that use advanced GPS technology to create what he calls the 'ultimate safeugarding device'.

They use advance IT security standards, including HTTPS protocol using SSL encryption and additional features including encrypted passwords and channel transmission.

All information is stored on a closed network, meaning, unlike a phone, no outside threat can hack the watch or redirect the location to their servers.

Lee told us:

"The philosphy behind Pin IT watches is freedom with peace of mind, not stifling or over-protection. We fully understand that there's a controversial element to their product in terms of child privacy, especially as they get older, but want to dismiss any doubt about our own watches. As a company, we don't keep any details of individuals in the system - total anonymity is key to making Pin IT more secure than any alternatives.

"Modern parents are becoming increasingly concerned with safety, whether that be the dangers of online predators or in the outside world. Pin IT watches provide an opportunity for children to experience the funof playing outside with extra parental protection, all by utilising a device that has limited access to the internet and open networks, removing the dangers of hacking, or kids not knowing - or ignoring - what constitutes safe and cautious online behaviour.

"Playing outside can have a significant positive impact on children's mental health. I challenge any body to come up with one of their fondest childhood memories,and it not be outside. Why should this generation not be able to build great memories too?"

The Pin IT watch and app allow guardians to pinpoint the exact location of their child using GPS and GPRS. Parents can also set up safe locations and geofencing, meaning notification are sent to their phone when the child reaches a designated safe space, or if they step outside the agreed boundary set up for them.

Lee hopes it could make a difference to parents peace of mind:

"If I can stop one abduction, I've done my job. If I can give one parent the confidence to get their child back out playing again, which helps their physical and mental wellbeing, then I've done my job. What I'd like to do is give parents the option of a real alternative to a mobile phone."