Vehicle security

[Bandit1200]

The rising values of classic cars will inevitably result in increased theft.
In addition to my Stag I have a Land Rover Defender and an article in today's press describes increased theft of Defenders and even bonnets and doors off the vehicle.
I want to protect both Stag and defender and am considering tracker devices.
What is your view on the options please?
Steve

[stag8manod]

Trackers certainly have their place but they don't stop it being stolen. I have a motorsport battery isolator fitted with a low amp fuse bypass fitted to power the clock. Any attempt to start it will blow the fuse. As it's not a daily must drive it doesn't get left any where at risk.
Cheers Ian A

[KOY 23]

There was an article about tracking systems in the Club mag about a year ago.
Defenders bolt together so are easily stripped and like many classics are worth far more in parts.

[StagManiac]

You might also consider having the vehicle's parts marked with microdots or similar via Datatag, Retainagroup or similar. The kits are a few tens of pounds and include window stickers to alert would-be thieves that the parts have been identified and logged on a database. That might be sufficient to deter them and make them move on to the next vehicle instead.

Just a thought.

Paul

[DJT]

You might also consider having the vehicle's parts marked with microdots or similar via Datatag, Retainagroup or similar. The kits are a few tens of pounds and include window stickers to alert would-be thieves that the parts have been identified and logged on a database. That might be sufficient to deter them and make them move on to the next vehicle instead.

Just a thought.

Paul

The FBHVC were promoting SelectaDNA (https://www.selectadna.co.uk) recently and it was available from their online shop (http://www.fbhvc.co.uk). The advantage of this type of marking is that it can be used on anything you consider valuable......

[Markvh]

Isn't a crook-lock or stop lock enough of a deterrent?

[StagManiac]

Highly visible security like crook-locks and stop locks help to deter would-be thieves. However, many of them are relatively easy to overcome, so they do have limitations.

Paul

[Jeff]

Great subject from the original PO.

[Stagsongas]

Isn't a crook-lock or stop lock enough of a deterrent?

Anyone who can bend or break a Steering Wheel can get a crook lock off. I've had that done to one of my cars in the past, although they didn't get away with it. If using one of the type that locks the handbrake and gear lever together, they just break something else, perhaps one of those two. Steering locks can be broken by nothing more than a pair of strong arms.

My preference is for the Battery Isolator, I have one under the Bonnet now but that's inconvenient, so I plan to fit a replacement hidden in the cockpit but within the Driver's reach.

If they want to take it, they will, it's just a matter of slowing them down as much as possible to make it less likely.

Regards

Steve

[LAMBRETTLAD]

I've fitted an alarm,plus secret switch plus stoplock,is it enough ? only time will tell

[Motorsport Micky]

I've fitted an alarm,plus secret switch plus stoplock,is it enough ? only time will tell

Duplicate thread just running on TR Register site, consensus seems to be Disc lock is the best steering wheel disabling device, Thatcham 3 rated and tested as the best by these organisations.

1995 Auto Express
1996 Auto Express
1996 Auto Express
1996 Revs Magazine
1996 What Car?
1998 Revs Magazine
1998 Which? Magazine
1999 Fast Car
2000 Golf Magazine
2000 What Car?
2001 Auto Express
2001 Revs Magazine
2002 Auto Express
2002 Revs Magazine
2003 What Car?
2003 Auto Express
2004 Auto Express
2005 What Car?

It's secure with a multi pin lock and covers up the steering wheel but fits loosely so it can't be used to force the steering lock, and has it's own sticking out arm to prevent the disc being rotated.

I'm sure a determined thief with an angle grinder and 10 minutes of un disturbed attack could probably remove it, but if I see somebody struggling to remove one at an event I shall be enquiring to try and see if they are the owners or a tea leaf ( safety permitting). I try and use 2 or 3 other levels as well on the basis that when a tea leaf gets past one level he thinks " you gotta be kidding me" and selects other easier prey. Don't rely solely on a Tracker, an e bay search will source "blockers" for about £40 that will damp them
down.
Micky

[jleyton]

Interesting Micky, but I wonder why those awards appear to have stopped 10 years ago

Cheers

julian

[Motorsport Micky]

You are definitely a glass half full person Julian !

How about can you think of another magazine of note or consumer organisation ( even Which recommended it !) that could have carried on supporting it year after year (it was a 10 year spread!) ? Or even could you review the equivalent magazines and see which item surpasses it and gives a current rating ?

Damn ! Some people are hard to please ! Only joking, the thought also occurred to me until I thought about it in greater detail.

Micky

[Jeff]

Great recovery!

[jleyton]

You are definitely a glass half full person Julian !

Micky

Not normally

It just seemed odd that the awards suddenly seemed to stop.

I wonder what all those magazines have been giving their security awards to for the last decade - something better maybe ? - can't be arsed to check though

Cheers

Julian