Car security

[tweetiepooh]

There is a lot of talk about prevent car theft and how modern cars are so hard to steal thieves target getting the keys to steal the car.

Now aways back I worked for a company and when making trips was assigned a car from a pool (I didn't qualify for a permanent car). One was (I think) a Citroen. This car's security required, insert key and turn ignition on, open panel and enter PIN, start engine.

This 2 factor security seems like a great idea. Even if the rotters did get your keys they couldn't steal the car without the PIN. The down side is that someone who really wanted your car would now target you as well but it would stop a fair number of thefts.

What do folk on here think?

[Taf]

Fully secured cars near us have been stolen by hoisting them onto trailers or towed away. The police suspect they are being stripped for parts that are sent abroad. Alarms and immobilisers didn't help.

[tweetiepooh]

Nothing will stop every possible theft but 2 factor would reduce one avenue. Eventually that hoist mechanism will be nearly the only way to do it. Anti carjack program could say require re-entering the PIN if door is suddenly opened and driver seat sensor/belt is released. Minor inconvenience sometimes but overall it could save some thefts.

[progers]

As Taf says, thieves tow cars away complete, these are probably either broken down for spares or exported illegally and dealt with abroad

[Gary L]

Originally Posted by heero_yuy

It can be a double edged sword: One of the forums I belong to is for Rover cars and the system they put into the later Metros and others has a matched set of key fobs, immoboliser/central locking unit and the engine management computer. Impossible to hot-wire. I've lost count of the members that have fallen foul of it.

Failure of any one part means a complete new set or finding someone with the kit to reprogram and match the elements together again. The other option being a matched set from the breakers.

I'd say a lot of manufacturers do that now.
I've done a few Vauxhalls, where you have to program the whole lot. the codes have to match.
there was one guy who was going to have Vauxhall rip him off for £800 because he lost the transponder in the key fob when changing the battery. so the car wouldn't start without it.

just programmed a spare one I had to his car in 2 minutes.

I'd say there's a lot of cars out there that can't be stolen without the keys. but my neighbour still feels better when he puts his steering wheel lock on

[Osem]

The best way to avoid theft is to run an old car.

[Russ]

The majority of car thefts are opportunists such as Johnny Criminal has just been let out on bail from a police station 10 miles away and needs to get home, or the local chavs fancying a spin somewhere so on that sort of basis factor 2 is an excellent deterrent (although some employ a "what we can't steal we'll burn" attitude) but as you say if they really want your car they'll take it. A police officer recently told me a good way to think of it is which choose which methods will create the most noise, take the most time and draw the most attention to the car. He also said when leaving it in a carpark a lot of people thin to tuck it away in a corner or hide it amongst other cars as if to 'blend in' but all that does is give the thieves cover. Leaving it exposed will means any attemps could be seen by anyone.

[Hom3r]

If some scrote wants your car they will get it, regardless of what security you have.