locked 202 in another embodiment activation 203 takes place automatically in response to some other trigger event such as detection that a portable device 116 carried by owner 110 has been moved away from vehicle 109 proximity of portable device 116 to vehicle 109 can be detected by known techniques that are used for remote keyless entry systems such as by detecting the presence or absence of a radio frequency signal with a designated distinct digital identity code associated with a particular portable device 116 in one embodiment interface 113 located in vehicle 109 either as part of onboard device 111 or as a separate component detects the presence or absence of portable device 116 in another embodiment activation 203 takes place automatically in response to any other trigger event including but not limited to the engine being turned off the key being removed from the ignition detection that the vehicle has not moved in some period of time detection that the vehicle is in a particular location or the like in another embodiment activation 203 takes place in response to an explicit activation command or operation for example owner 110 can press a button on portable device 116 initiating activation 203 of geo fence 501 alternatively owner 110 can press a button on onboard device 111 enter a code on a keypad in vehicle 109 or send a text message email message instant message or other communication directly to operations center.