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It seems like that new cars are controlled by so many interconnected electronics and computers that stealing them must has to be a lot harder. I don’t hear auto thefts going down. You have RFID to unlock the doors, chipped ignition and who knows what else. Sound systems are also virtually useless to steal anymore as they are custom fit to each car. Have you seen those Clubs lately? I haven’t. How do you steal a car without a computer science degree?
It seems like that new cars are controlled by so many interconnected electronics and computers that stealing them must has to be a lot harder. I don’t hear auto thefts going down. You have RFID to unlock the doors, chipped ignition and who knows what else. Sound systems are also virtually useless to steal anymore as they are custom fit to each car. Have you seen those Clubs lately? I haven’t. How do you steal a car without a computer science degree?
You wait for the guy with the computer science degree to release the tools and then you purchase them for a relatively hefty cost in the hopes that you'll recoup it via theft. I think most vehicles stolen today are older cars that are easier to steal.
I've noticed that the #1 most stolen car is the 1990-1997 Accord which is significant because the 1998 Accord was the first year Honda started using the engine immobilizer system. I know cause I owned one and when I used a duplicate key it wouldn't start.
The #2 most stolen car is the 1991-2000 Civic and you can guess when Honda started using the immobilizer on them. Yes, 2001.
I'd imagine that in most cases when people steal cars, they obtain the keys first.
The idea that a crook "hotwires" a car is overplayed.
I had to hotwire my 1977 Mercedes one time as the ignition was frozen up. It's somewhat of a pain. On this particular model, you have to remove the instrument cluster, then unplug the plug at the end of the ignition switch. Then grab a piece of wire and connect two leads together until the engine starts.
I've noticed that the #1 most stolen car is the 1990-1997 Accord which is significant because the 1998 Accord was the first year Honda started using the engine immobilizer system. I know cause I owned one and when I used a duplicate key it wouldn't start.
The #2 most stolen car is the 1991-2000 Civic and you can guess when Honda started using the immobilizer on them. Yes, 2001.
These are clunkers. Barely worth a few thousand dollars. There is no money in it. The money is in selling them for parts.
I've noticed that the #1 most stolen car is the 1990-1997 Accord which is significant because the 1998 Accord was the first year Honda started using the engine immobilizer system. I know cause I owned one and when I used a duplicate key it wouldn't start.
The #2 most stolen car is the 1991-2000 Civic and you can guess when Honda started using the immobilizer on them. Yes, 2001.
You've noticed? Or you just read it in the NYTimes?
Autothefts are down due to the immoblizers, people steal older cars if they steal any. Today people mostly go for electronics.
What are you saying that I didn't know the effectiveness of immobilizers until an article (from 2014) that I never read did a piece on it?
I've known about immobilizers since I bought my Accord in 1998. I used to even play tricks on friends by handing them a duplicate key and betting they couldn't start my car and won every single one of them. Even the locksmith was shocked when he couldn't start the car with the key he made.
I've seen the stolen cars list every year for 15+ years and have always known that Hondas with immobilizers weren't on the list. But it's funny how some clown thinks I needed a 2014 article to tell me how effective it was when I knew about it since 1998.
I am not exactly sure that the thieves stealing cars in the 70s happened to have an ignition key. They didn’t need a key. What happens if you hot wired the starter? Would it still need a chipped key?
I am not exactly sure that the thieves stealing cars in the 70s happened to have an ignition key. They didn’t need a key. What happens if you hot wired the starter? Would it still need a chipped key?
No key needed on cars without the immobalizers, if they tried to hot wire a car with an immobalizer it wouldn't work (has to be chipped and powered - battery).
These are clunkers. Barely worth a few thousand dollars. There is no money in it. The money is in selling them for parts.
Yeah there's no money in it, except when there's money in it.
Anyway, immobilizers may have reduced the incidence of auto theft, but immobilizers are still no match for the ultimate professional car thief tool: the tow truck.
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