Automotive Theft Deterrence

[JDM]

Having just switched from a vehicle that was as easily replaced as a broken shoelace to something that, for all intents and purposes, is irreplaceable, I'm much more concerned about my car remaining where I park it. I'm also pretty ignorant as to what's available in regards to auto security.

Ideally I'd be able to install something that doesn't make any noise if my cat jumps on the hood, but renders the vehicle completely immobile short of bringing in a crane.

Thanks!

[JHC]

Then you don't want the system I ran into. When my son's were little we parked in a big lot and I spotted a glorious looking Defender 90 and walked over with them for a closer look and to tell them what it was. When we got within 6' of it to look it started shouting at us to STAND BACK!!! STAND BACK!!! So I stood back.

Don't they make some with ignition system cut-offs that really disable them? Or "boot it". ;)

[JDM]

A boot is actually really tempting. Both because it's probably reasonably effective, and real hilarious.

[JDM]

When's the next DPS auction? I may even buy two!!

[nycnoob]

I posted the following on TDI 8/23/2012, since that time I have not been able to find a dealer in "The AutoBolt" who is willing to install it on all four doors of my car. That is too much work, and would involve removing many interior panels, instead I am going to just put one in the trunk and possibly another to lock the backseat closed. This would make my trunk like a safe. I also want to put a kill switch in my trunk.





I spent some time researching security for my car. Here are the results of my Internet searches.

The field of automotive security has not changed much since the 1970's (asside from remote key fobs) everyone still relies on simple kill switches that are hidden in the car. I read about one hidden switch which was activated by a magnet as no part of the switch was visible. Some people just wire the cutoff switches to obscure automotive functions (the car will not start unless the brights are on or the rear defogger is on).

There is a majorly hyped cuttoff switch "key" http://www.ravelco.com/ which is easily defeated with a multimeter.

I found two innovative products.

http://www.rmtracking.com/vehicle_re...rt_tracker.php

the 'Smart Tracker' from 'Rocky Mountain Tracking' is a combo of a GPS and cell phone. You pay for the sealed box $175 and hide it in your car attached to the car battery. If you car is ever stolen you log onto their website and pay $5 and they tell you where the car is.


I also like 'the AutoBolt' http://www.theautobolt.com/onlinestore.html. Its a set of deadbolts which are installed into your car doors as a separate locking mechanism. You can attach it to its own keyless entry system and different key fob than you use for the factory car door locks.

Here are some thoughts about why I believe this system is useful.

These deadbolts will defeat slim-jim type door attacks and prevent the doors from opening if they break the windows. Infact the deadbolts defeat any attacks against your factory key fob as long as the new key fob system is not affected by the same attack (This is a real concern thieves may target specific types of cars which they have found the master key to http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04...ter_key_found/ then clone your key. Its not happening now but it could happen. This system will at least have its own master-key even if it uses the same technology as your car does but the thieves will not know which electronic lock you are using.).

If they can not get into the car through the doors they they might not complete the work they came to do including: steal car, rifle car and steal loose stuff and/or pop the trunk, steal airbags.

I like this system much more than traditional kill-switches and of course you can hook up a traditional kill switch to the key less entry system if you want.

[Bigguy]

I've heard good things about this anti-theft system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqr3_frh3Q

[Bigguy]

I've heard good things about this anti-theft system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqr3_frh3Q
Oooops! My bad. Looks like there's been a recall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak4ohXgMe4k&NR=1&feature=endscreen