About Retainagroup

Vehicle Protection Experts since 1982. Trusted by UK Police, Insurers, and Industry.

About Retainagroup

Since 1982, Retainagroup has led the way in providing vehicle protection solutions. Our mission is simple: To prevent theft, support recovery, and assist law enforcement and insurers every step of the way.

Our systems are trusted by UK law enforcement and police and used extensively by national and international organisations to protect vehicles and vital parts, as well as a range of other valuable items. 

1982

Company founded

Retainagroup established itself as a pioneer in vehicle protection.

1991

Renault partnership

Renault became the first vehicle manufacturer (OEM) to protect all their new UK vehicles with our system.

1992-2007

OEM sales expansion

Extended sales to protect £750k vehicles per annum across 14 OEMs.

2008

Diversification

Due to the global recession, we diversified by developing innovative products and services targeted at international markets.

2019

United States launch

Launched our catalytic converter protection system in the United States.

What we do

Unique identification & marking

We provide a wide range of secure, permanent, and unique marking products to protect vehicles, parts, and other valuable items.

Secure database for marked vehicles and property

Every marked vehicle (or other item) is registered in the ISR and is verifiable 24/7 by police, law enforcement, and anyone checking vehicle status.

Support for law enforcement & insurers

We work closely with police forces and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to deter theft and increase recovery rates. Our vehicle claim check service helps Thatcham and individual insurers verify claims quickly and accurately.

Accreditations - deterring and detecting crime for over 40 years

As a receiver and provider of data from the Law Enforcement Data Service, we take data security very seriously. This coupled with the requirement to hold vehicle and owner data ensures we maintain the very highest level of system integrity. Our Certificate Number under the Data Protection Act 2018 is Z7526962

BAB ISO/IEC 27001:2022

The scope of the standard covers the Information Security Management System for the provision of security marking, 24/7 vehicle registration and verification of items of value, and the design and supply of computer-controlled laser etching units. Certificate number 244224

Disability Confident Committed Certificated (Level 1)

Retainagroup is a Disability Confident Committed scheme registered employer.

Thatcham TQA

Our products and services were accredited to Thatcham TQA until 31 December 2022, when Thatcham withdrew from testing security marking products. Our products and services continue to be awarded points under Thatcham NVSA as they have been for many years.

BAB Quality Standard ISO 9001:2015

The scope for the BAB quality standard covers "Provisions of security marking, registration and verification of items of value, database support to customers and the design, production and supply of computer-controlled laser etching units to commercial clients globally - Certificate number 243000

Security Vetting

All Retainagroup staff are vetted/screened to BS7858 levels, including Criminal Records Bureau checks.

SMMT

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. Its resources, reputation and unrivalled automotive data place it at the heart of the UK automotive industry.

FAQS

Retainagroup Ltd is a leading provider of security marking systems designed to deter theft and aid in the recovery of stolen assets. Since 1982, Retainagroup has led the way in providing vehicle protection solutions. Our mission is simple: To prevent theft, support recovery, and assist law enforcement and insurers every step of the way.

We manufacture and sell innovative and effective technology to mark vehicles, bicycles and assets with proven reduction in theft risk.

The International Security Register (ISR) is a secure database used by police, insurers, and the public to instantly verify and trace marked components and support the recovery of stolen vehicles and other valuable items. Since 1991, the ISR has played a critical role in crime prevention, asset recovery, and successful prosecutions.

Asset marking involves applying a permanent, unique identifier to an item, making it traceable. This acts as a powerful theft deterrent and helps law enforcement recover and return lost or stolen property. Marking also adds credibility to ownership and can support insurance claims.

Retainagroup have a method for marking almost any surface. Therefore, our systems are suitable for many applications, including:

Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, vans, HGVs)
Bicycles
Marine equipment
Agricultural and plant machinery
Tools and construction equipment
Electronics (e.g., laptops, tablets)

Markings are permanent and designed to last the lifetime of the asset. They are tamper-resistant and cannot be removed without visible damage, which helps in both theft deterrence and identification.

If your address or vehicle details change, or if you sell your vehicle, you should update your information promptly with the International Security Register to keep records accurate - you can do this for free. This helps to ensure continued protection and prevents complications if checks are performed in the future. You can update it here https://www.retainagroup.com/registration/vehicle_amendments.html

We work with the automotive industry - OEM, dealerships, vehicle import/export centres, retailers, IT companies, contractors, construction firms, glazing industry, insurers and the police service.

Vehicle windows and/or valuable parts are marked at production plants, import/export centres, or dealerships using a range of methods, including bespoke laser units, stencil & proprietary fluids, electrolysis, and ultra-destruct labels.
Data from marked vehicles is uploaded onto our standalone servers before being transferred into our International Security Register (ISR).

How does Retainagroup keep data safe?

Vehicle marking
Vehicle identity
Asset marking
Glass marking
Data hosting

Directly through us here https://www.retainagroup.com/uk-shop/, or via select retailers.

Please contact us - we will be happy to speak with you:
+44 (0) 1233 333000
info@retainagroup.com

The ISR Stolen & Recovered Vehicle File integrates daily updates from the Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS), enabling automatic alerts for stolen vehicles and the creation of skeleton records for unmatched entries, with all data retained indefinitely. This powerful system supports police investigations into vehicle cloning and the detection of false plates or stolen parts, such as catalytic converters.

Retainagroup products are used internationally. Please contact Retainagroup directly to confirm availability or request regional support.

To become a Retainagroup distributor or partner, please visit the Contact Us page and submit your enquiry. 
The team will be happy to respond with information on requirements and next steps.

BAB ISO/IEC 27001:2022
BAB Quality Standard ISO 9001:2015
All Retainagroup staff are vetted/screened to BS7858 levels, including Criminal Records Bureau checks.

Get in touch

Use the form to request a callback, or call our UK-based team directly today. 

International Security Register (ISR) 24/7: +44 (0)1233 333000

Sales & General: +44 (0)1233 504167

Email: info@retainagroup.com

Unit 5, St John’s Court,
Foster Road, Ashford Business Park,
Ashford, Kent,
TN24 0SJ, 
United Kingdom

View on a map

Check online the status of a marked and registered motor vehicle or any other item protected by our system:

ISR CodeCheck