In the USA a cheap anti theft device that seems to solve most situations of vehicle loss (unless it is towed away).
It is described as "Armored steel Hood lock with ignition immobilizer"
for example:
from Google search with "armoured steel hook lock"
jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=4708&BQ=jcw2
At $33 plus pp seems a good buy
They seem very popular and seem to address the basic requirement. Prevent the engine being started and prevent the thief from getting access to bypass the anti- theft switch.
Once installed, to arm it simply press the lock under the dash and led flashes. To disarm just turn the (round) key in the lock.
It appears some have been standard fit for 20 years and no obvious downside to them. I have not seen them on sale in UK.
Also of interest
www.smartmotorist.com/the/sec.htm#Security systems & anti-theft devices
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Yup, we got 'em here. Cheap and visible, good value, great deterrent. The Septics tend to go for the obvious physical security stuff vs. the expensive electronic gizmos that some wirehead techie eventually figures out how to ovbercome.
Also take a look at:
www.pimall.com/nais/autot.html
We've had three of these for years and they've defeated at least 2 theft attempts. THey're heavy and great for beating muggers over the head with as well (did I say that?)
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That AutoTaser looks like it could deter the odd thief or two. I wonder though on the legalities of using it in the UK.
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Well my view would be he's the guy trying to steal my wheels, he's the illegal one, not me. If he'd left it alone he wouldn't have a problem, right? Proves he was in the wrong, not me.
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"Well my view would be he's the guy trying to steal my wheels, he's the illegal one, not me."
Ahhh, Growler. If it were only so.
In the UK these days "m'learned friends" would soon have it argued that you were causing sress by preventing them nicking your car. You would probably end up before the beak yourself.
Oh and woe betide anyone that get's it into their heads that you might actually resist theft of your property!
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That AutoTaser looks like it could deter the odd thief or two. I wonder though on the legalities of using it in the UK.
Quote from www.lcars.eu.org/autotaser.uk/
SAFE AND LEGAL TO USE IN THE UK
The AUTO TASER is proven to safely and effectively defend your car when you\'re not there. Further, since it is locked inside your vehicle, someone walking past your car cannot be inadvertantly stunned by the AUTO TASER.
The AUTO TASER produces no long term effects - just a stunning experience for the thief.
Is It Legal?
It is legal to defend ones property with reasonable force
The Auto Taser is classified under the same laws as an electric fence
You must be perpetrating a criminal offence to be affected
Warning stickers must be displayed on side windows
The Auto Taser is designed as a deterrent not a boobytrap
120 db warning alarm sounds 5 seconds before unit is activated
Visual arcing shows the unit is live
Activates only when locked onto a steering wheel
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Warning stickers must be displayed on side windows The Auto Taser is designed as a deterrent not a boobytrap
Aaah, now me understand. So the scrote can then carve your paintwork and tyres up out of sheer devilment, because he knows he can't break in without getting hurt? (oh, and it happens!)
As far as what The Growler didn't say, anyone on my property/intefering with said property, is liable to get a large piece of wood about the head, and/or a handgun shoved up his nose. I don't have to advertise: "Please do not come over this locked gate, because the owner is a nutter."
If I have a 'passive' system, why should i warn somebody about it? he shouldn't be there in the first instance.
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Agreed Ian, no ultimate solution. Although I do have one kind of answer as a fully licensed driver which I carry in my glock (whoops!-typo) meant to say "glove" compartment......
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...and it has a blinking red light when armed and undue vehicle motion will set it off. The "arc-ing" when it's set off is a whole miniature fireworks display of blue lightning up and down the unit with appropriate crackling noises. Quite impressive. It runs on 3 Duracell flat type 9v batts. They last 2-3 months of daily use. If our miscreant is still sufficiently iodine-deficient to stick around let alone grab the thing after all this, well.....
A colleague of mine who is a security consultant put it quite nicely. He says most car alarm type systems or even theft-prevention device are passive. I.e. they are there purely to resist attempts at theft and make it more difficult. In the case of the Auto Taser it actually bites back. Thieves may not be ready for this and it will likely give them a surprise they weren't expecting. They may then move on to an easier mark. I don't know of any other similar device on the market.
What I like is it is transferable from vehicle to vehicle, no need to chop up the wiring system, when you sell the car you keep it with you, all that stuff.
I would have thought this device might have received more attention than it has.
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Apparently Auto Express tested it a while back but weren't impressed for some reason, perhaps there's a way round it that UK criminals are familiar with?
Looks cool though...
Blue
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"perhaps there's a way round it that UK criminals are familiar with?"
er, gloves perhaps?
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But they still have to get it off the wheel, along with disarm your regular immobilizer. It's the old story, if mine is harder to boost than yours parked next to it then maybe I'll get lucky and you won't.
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