I think what you're refering to is an Immobiliser. I'm sure the car has one, but I'm guessing the people who took it either had the knowledge to know how to get around it, or they just stole the keys (this is a common one, break into someone's house and take the keys so you can get the car undamaged). Hope you manage to find the car again mate, makes me sick when some scummy little c**ts take someone's pride and joy