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Many new economy vehicles come with an engine immobilizer. I am wondering if anything beyond an engine immobilizer is a waste: A thief who can defeat the immobilizer wouldn't be stopped by much else. If the thief wants an economy vehicle that badly, then it's going to be stolen or vandalized in a determined attempt (lots of wires cut, etc).
If buying a brand new small vehicle that will be parked unattended in an open public location during work day, would you install any further security systems? Or just remove the fancy stereo & extra electronics. And pay extra for a low deductible on comprehensive insurance to cover a vehicle's theft?
It's a good deterrent to prevent an easy random joy ride. However, any determined thief is not going to be stopped by it or most anything else. They will know what they are doing and be equipped to quickly defeat any countermeasures.
If a thief is determined enough, they'll either possess the skillset necessary to take it, despite security measures, or (hopefully never) you'll find yourself on the wrong side of a gun barrel.
Best you can do is make it less of a target than other vehicles. As mentioned, keep electronics, bags, briefcases, personal items, garage door transmitter, and accessories out of the vehicles. Park in a visible area. Make it a less attractive target than the next vehicle. Keep it locked.
Anything else you can do to make it more difficult to take only goes in your favor for a thief bypassing it for an easier target. I use a steering wheel club without fail and I've rewired my ignition and fuel sytems with self designed circuits that although, not foolproof, would almost certainly cause enough frustration for a thief to abandon the attempt. I'd suppose it's better to come out to a broken door lock and damaged wiring than an empty parking spot at the end of the day.
You can add your own fuel or ignition kill on s factory switch that is optional but thief won't know. I had a momentary switch that was wired to my ashtray. The ashtray had to be pushed in and the drink holder had to be pulled out in order for the car to start. I've had various kill switches on all my cars. There is no way you would find them because I ran them inside the factory wiring harnesses and used factory colored wires and connectors.
It wnt stop somene from towing your car away.
These days I install alarm systems with tracking modules. And kill switches.
You can add your own fuel or ignition kill on s factory switch that is optional but thief won't know. I had a momentary switch that was wired to my ashtray. The ashtray had to be pushed in and the drink holder had to be pulled out in order for the car to start. I've had various kill switches on all my cars. There is no way you would find them because I ran them inside the factory wiring harnesses and used factory colored wires and connectors.
It wnt stop somene from towing your car away.
These days I install alarm systems with tracking modules. And kill switches.
Ever see that movie gone in 60 seconds, if a professional auto thief wants your car he will get your car. I dont care how many tracking devices and kill switches you have.
The odds of having your vehicle stolen are extremely small. Don't keep anything of value visible and lock it and don't worry.
Last year in LA Calif, (the car thief capitol of the US) 25,000 vehicles were stolen. That's 200 a month. I don't know how many vehicles there are in LA, but I'm betting there are millions, so the odds are vastly in you favor of never having your vehicle stolen.
Be careful but don't be paranoid...
If they want it bad enough they will take it. Of course common sense, hide all valuables. Don't leave purse, laptops on front seat...easy smash and grabs. Theives go for easy targets.
A security system does help deter a theft. But does not stop it 100%. Perfect example...When my brother and I lived in apartment. We had our cars parked right next to each other. I had an alarm, he did not. I also had a fancy stereo, he did not. They stole his car and did not touch mine. Again, they went for easy target.
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