The demand for GPS trackers grows among car owners in Kabul as at least 16 companies have invested in the sector recently, according to officials, who say the market for the devices has increased in big cities following a rise in robberies.

“So far, over 16 companies have been issued permission and there are other firms that are also interested, and they will also be given the license,” said Fawad Ahmadi, spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

On December 21, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who chairs daily meetings with security officials called "the 6:30 meetings," asked car owners to install a GPS tracker on their vehicles. He noted that the price for the installation will not be above 3,000 Afs ($380) but added that it will help the police to easily find stolen cars.

“These devices can work with or without a smartphone. They can track cars through messages,” said Mohammad Bilal, head of a company that provides GPS tracking devices installation service in Kabul.

Owners of GPS tracker installation companies said the device is connected to satellite and that it can inform car owners when their vehicle is turned on or off.

According to drivers, an improved version of the device also records voices inside a car and can transform it to the owner.

“It is a device that we can at least have the vehicle under our control because there is insecurity,” said Atiqullah Mohammadi, a Kabul resident.

“Such companies can provide jobs to the people and, meanwhile, they can help reduce robberies in the city and they can help the police as well,” said Shabir Bashiri, an economic affairs analyst.