Security - theft prevention ideas

[James Bond]

Now we've had two thefts in the last weeks, what do people do to prevent this?

I'll start - my convertible is immobilised by a Cobra alarm; apparently unbreakable because the cde changes all the time..

But it doesn't stop break in, which is very easy on our cars.

Is it worth de locking?

[spence]

i thought about this and then thought about resale practicality no one will want to buy a car thats not stock one thing ive done on all my c900 is remove the door lock pins and then drop in some leds wired up to the alarm so even if they break the glass they cant open the door and the leds makes them think twice

[Matthew]

Autospeed ran an article on a DIY immobiliser that worked on any car. The system used a key fob and reed switch to disable the car. Being non-standard and DIY the immobiliser might foil a thief... I guess anything's worth a try.
The World's Best DIY Immobiliser
Installing a Key-Pad Immobiliser

Garaging is a good idea. What a thief doesn't see, they can't covet.

[cdaly]

Leave nothing in the car. Only useful for stopping casual breakin. Big heavy hardened-links chain and suitable padlock locking the wheel. Self setting immobiliser switch using latching relay to unset. You don't have to set the switch when you leave the car, only when you start it. That way, thief doesn't see you set it. Wheel clamp. Pull around a trailer and take it's wheels off when you park. Decent anti-ram driveway post.

I saw one that used a PCB with about 8 contacts (ala ISA slot). This had to be plugged in for the car to start.

If you were really confident in your electrical skills, open up the ECU (or ignition module) and modify some of that circuitry... Set up a switch that needs some sections to be open circuit as well as closed circuit.

[SPG85]

I have a keyed security device that was installed by saab, although most people haven't seen themon others, but I've also a contact switch that I put under the floor mat it bypasses the main power needed to the ignition, all I do when ready to turn the key in the ignition is press my foot on a section of my floor mat, which is sort of out of the way(where you wouldn't ordinarily place your foot), once the switch is pressed in it allows power to the ignition and allowsthe car to start,

[SPG85]

sorry,mistake,, it isn't through the main ignition power, but the starter switch which is relayed through the switch under the floormat,, turn the key without pushing your foot on the proper spot, and nothing will happen, the starter will not turn over, very simple setup, but reliable,

[REDTURBO84]

Hi, I would put a kill switch(on +off) in, for the fuel pump.Mount it inside the rear ash tray.The car will start run a few seconds then shut off for good. If your lucky (and he isnt )you will hear it cranking .Also my insurance man told me to never lock the car unless you want a new top! :wink: Pat

[Castor Troy]

What do you think of either of these?

http:// .com/2rr7x

http://www.autotechs.com/items/item1056.htm

[SPG85]

nice systems,, I had a friend with whom I installed a system,, but the real nice thing about it was an added feature I haven't seen around very much,, it came with a pager, just like a normal commuinications pager,, it had a range of about 2 miles,, was a sweetset up,, anyone entered your caror set off the alarm in anyway and the pager would sound off, nicething tohave on your night table when sleeping,

[Deanosabby]

I've just had a Toad AI606 cat1 alarm/immobiliser fitted a few months ago, It also comes with a anti-highjacking lock system that locks the doors for you automatically. The Immobiliser part works on the fuel pump, This system can be fitted for £250 at most Toad dealers and gets a really good right up I also have a steering wheel brace and have it parked in the garage. No thieving scum are getting near my car.
Cheers,
Deano.

P.S. hope you get yours back in one piece soon.

[bigboab]

I'd give serious consideration to upgrading any alarm fitted. If it has been fitted with one since new, it means it is at least 10 years old! Think how far technology will have advanced.

I had a a cheapish CAT II Scorpion alarm fitted which immobilises the fuel pump by cutting the supply to the relay. Cost about 300 quid (fitted) but at least gave me a discount on my insurance. If the car is going to be sitting for a while (ie a couple of days), I fit a wheel lock that covers the entire steering wheel to act as an additional deterent. If you have an airbag, it also means they can't nick that! If the car was going to be sitting for a long period of time (even in a garage), I'd definitely consider fitting a battery isolator switch.

The thing is, no matter how secure you make the car, if they want to steal something from it, they will.

[GearHead]

I dont have an alarm fitted but I am planning on getting one that has tilt,bump,glass break sensor,forced entry of the doors,ignition disabler,and 4 proximity sensors.And also a pager that informs me of break in.
then maybe I could install a tazer into the steering wheel so that if he/she/it touches it...ZAP and then he be temporarly paralized then I will be able to catch him and report him to the police.

[cdaly]

I had the idea of sewing copper wire into the seat and connecting that to the coil. I dunno if you'd get away with that in the USA but here, the thief could sue you big time for injury. In Ireland, if a thief breaks into your house, trips over a toy, falls down the stairs and breaks a leg, you are liable for damages!

[REDTURBO84]

Originally Posted by cdaly

I had the idea of sewing copper wire into the seat and connecting that to the coil. I dunno if you'd get away with that in the USA but here, the thief could sue you big time for injury. In Ireland, if a thief breaks into your house, trips over a toy, falls down the stairs and breaks a leg, you are liable for damages!

Yep ,It's just that way here too.But thiefs got really good lawers here so they probibly will get the car leagal when its all said and done. Better off just leavinging the keys in it to confuse them. :-? Pat

[jetman]

I'm with Pat. I had a fuel pump cut switch on my 81. I liked it so much I've put one on the 85T16 as well. On the 81, I wired it into one of the switches for the heated seats on the console. It worked perfect and was plainly hidden right in front of you.