Tips against Cars being stolen?

[Viscount]

I just thought I'd post this in response to the alarming increase in stolen cars this past month.

Arguably, the rise seems to be in Brisbane, but it's not something Sydney siders can take for granted.

I live in an area of Sydney with a very low rate of crime. But I still sometimes worry that when I get my car it could be the target of professional theives (who don't realise it's just an N/A). I am getting Full comprehensive insurance, but the most they'll insure the car for is 25,000$ (significantly under its purchase price).

So I was wondering what are some tips for preventing car theft. I know that alot of people say that if a professional theif wants to steal your car, he will, and I agree. I'm talking about the opportunist theif who sees it, and decides to knock it off.

So far I have a 3 point immobiliser. I'm also going to install a custom made security system (I'm going to make it so you can connect it to your computer etc.)

Other than that I don't know what else to use.

Flood lights?

GPS tracking? (seems a bit too expensive considering I'll already be paying an arm and a leg for full comp)

Anyway, if you have any ideas please share your thoughts on the issue...

[dairyboy]

There's not much you can do besides a good alarm and/or tracking.

Fit a kill switch and hide it well?

Those wheel clamps at Autobarn? I was thinking to get one myself except...my tyres are too wide

[zymotic]

Yes I was thinking about GPS trackers don't know how much they are now but surely they will drop in price. FS you'd think I'd know GIS is my living.

Anyway,

Commonsense old fashioned tactics like;

1. Assessing where u will have to park ur car before u go on a trip, eg. where are the cameras if any in carparks, where would it be hard for a thief to conceal themselves

2. Keeping someone elses car parked behind urs in a driveway.

3. Dogs (unreliable)

4. Installing motion security lights in driveway.

5. Lockup garage.

It sux don't it. The price we pay for driving nice cars. No the jealousy and opportunism of unethical people. Who Fu#@in Suck.

[Morgs]

Its always been a major problem in Sydney, especially for GTR drivers

Don't let people know where you live, keep the doors locked while you're driving, don't give out your rego (can be traced), make sure you've got suffient security to stall/confuse/scare off potential theives, don't leave it anywhere a tow truck can get to (always in garage), use a video camera system, trip wires, in ground pole, the list never ends...

[DLuded]

yeah like you said if they want to steal ur car they will

the idea of not letting the car start without the computer was discussed on the nissan silvia forums and it was said that if the thief is really prepared they will have a truck, and after braeking in all they have to do is roll the car on the back of a truck. thats imn the worst situation of course

but like adiryboy said the best thing is probably a good ytfracking alarm so it significantly cuts down the time the thief has the car in their possession

[T0nyGTSt]

Well no one can protect against a gang who are using a flat bed.

Even with a multipoint immobilizer, all they need to do is smash a window, release your handbrake and winch it in. No-one would even lift a finger if they saw it happen - why would you? I wouldn't risk my life for YOUR car.

I reckon park only where you know it's gonna be safe, also in bad areas perhaps pull your ECU or some ecu tricks like that.

T.

[Bax]

Yeah most of its been said, some navigation stuff cuts out under multi level car parks apparently, so you'd need something that kills the cars electrics if the alarm is not disengaged.

Don't make your car a target, make it look like a shitter, stock rims, scratch the panels.. make it look like a Gemini.. Car Covers are always handy.. They aren't gonna go ooh a Skyline! And plan their actions about it for the next night tailored just for the Skyline. They are gonna see a Tarp and go what the hell is under there, is it worth trying for...

Get Air Bag suspension and lower it onto the ground each night:p Wheel Clamps looked good..

[Viscount]

scratch the panels

haha I'll just get my key now

[dojobi]

I've come to the conclusion that you're pretty much screwed not matter what you do. If they want something, they'll take it. There's really not much point in alarm systems unless you personally are near your car. I always ignore alarms and even if I saw someone near a car with an alarm going off, I'd just assume they accidentally set it off.

My suggestion? Hidden kill switch. I'm putting that in my next car.

[jaqule]

Yeah hidden kill switch , I know a good welder so I was going to make up a clamp and hinge with a big ass lock , that will fit over the pedal arms , so even if they brake in and get it started they can't go anywhere without spending 1 hour hacksawing my lock off

[RBVS]

If i have to leave my car some were i take out the EFI fuse and put it in my pocket, I can't see them carrying replacment fuses around with them and it would take alot of time to find whats going on, prob just kick a panle and take the crap cd player. he he

[Viscount]

That's a top idea RBVS. Where exactly is the fuse?

The only downfall is if u lose it

Also I was thinking, what about something that locks the handbrake / clutch pedals or something.

There are probably some physical things people could make to stop dickheads from stealing your car.

I saw a good steering wheel lock recently. It bolts to the actual steering wheel base and is almost impossible to break.

[supra]

ok, fuse is out, they call the tow truck and row it on! i guess to be real safe, as suggested lock the wheels! better yet... deflat the car so it's harder to push! and have a can of re-presure ready...

things we do to protect our rides! damn crokes!

[Rekin]

take off the fake GTR badge and no one will bother you

:jk:

[benm]

* I always fit a steering lock, even when locked in the garage

* I always park in a very populated area (lots of people walking/driving past)

* I had a kill switch (fuel power) fitted last week, it's hidden well, but wouldn't take "hours" to find (I wouldn't mind 1 or 2 more)

* Stock rims (ok ok I can't afford a set of Buddyclub PII's)

* I have no enemies (that im aware of)

* Never pop my bonnet in public

What small items could be removed from the engine bay (quickly and easily) for extra protection ?

Yes if they want it they will take it but the more security items you have in place the better chance you have of finding it damaged rather than gone (although if it was taken i'd prolly get the same payout from insurance than if I was to "try" and sell it).

[Zagan]

Even with good alarms put in they can be taken out pretty quick because they generally either have 1 or 2 batteries, also you could disconnect the alarm etc or do something to switch it off so place it at strange places, you'd need to install the alarm yourself though.

I really don't think most pros would bother with a tow truck, for a start most people hear the tow track coming up your drive way anyway or the road for that matter, think about it if you never hear a truck in your street and one night you hear a truck engine and then it stops idles at the front of your place, and then you hear the air breaks going off, most people will take a look just to see what a truck is doing in the street.

Another thing would be to remove exteral door locks, make sure all the door seals are perfect etc, install internal door locks that don't allow them to be pulled open.

The general amount of time to break in start up and get going for someone stealing the car is under 30 seconds and that isn't a pro by the way, if you were going to steal a car you wouldn't **** around with slow trucks and crap you get in quick and **** off quick simple as that.

Once it starts to take longer than 30 seconds the people will probably pass and take any crap they can find etc, after all you don't want to get busted and you don't exectly want to leave empty handed.

[Zagan]

Basic Guide for stealing cars beofre 1997.

http://www.ask.co.uk/ix.asp?q=Steal+Car&ac...0%2Ehtml&adurl=

Guide on how to hot wire a car.

http://www.ask.co.uk/ix.asp?q=Steal+Car&ac...1%2Ehtml&adurl=

How people are using VINs to steal cars.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/vin.asp

[Pandaemonaeon]

The best killswitch I have found is the one that my friend designed and has been put in our cars which is, the car will not start unless the faceplate for the headunit is on. This is something you always take with you when parked and how many people will get into a car and think "Damn it's not starting, must be because the H/U aint going"?

[Sumo]

Gents: I know this is a long shot, but..... I have been thinking of how to immobilise my car without going to extreme but yet still be effective.

Now the way I see it is if you install a kill switch in the boot (On the fuel pump wire), you can push the lock mechanism to only open with a Key (the boot cannot be opened inside the car unless removal of rear seats). Therefore you will create more headaches for the theif, and if they are watching you when you get out of your car to immobilise (it just looks like your getting something outta your boot).

Only problem is that my boot keylock has been blanked out, So I cannot open it with my key.

[Viscount]

The best killswitch I have found is the one that my friend designed and has been put in our cars which is, the car will not start unless the faceplate for the headunit is on. This is something you always take with you when parked and how many people will get into a car and think "Damn it's not starting, must be because the H/U aint going"?

Is there a way of getting that in Australia?