Auto theft deterrents

Just put a couple of these signs in the truck

 

I knew someone who did something similar with their fuel tank. It was basically just a shut off valve I think. I always thought it was a nifty idea

 

Beat me to it...






My thought was drape a surgical face mask and a pair of "used-looking" nitrile gloves on the steering wheel...



In all seriousness:

- Hidden battery cutoff switch
- Ignition kill switch
- A dummy 12VDC powered small blinking dome camera made for vehicles based on real product models such as "Night Owl" or "Waylens" brand (these are real vehicle cloud based recording cameras similar to what Ring is to a home).

 

As Stated, IF a particular vehicle is really wanted by the thief (i.e., right color parts car) - they can take it (Tow etc.). The major deterrent is to make another car more attractive / easier to steal .... JMO

 

Had this installed from the dealer as an add on. Full GPS and can send info to local authorities. As soon as the truck moves I get a notification.

 

I bought the pedal lock, will report back, im hoping the lock doesnt break on me while its locked....

 

I'm curious how effective that will be on a manual with a clutch start cancel button? I might have driven a car or two without touching the clutch pedal . Getting into 1st is a bitch on flat ground and damn near impossible on an incline, but it could be done.

 

If that pedal lock is used to hold the brake from being pushed, which I think is its intended purpose, I wonder what fraction of cars just get ghost ridden if they discover it late. Maybe a spray gun full of liquid ass aimed at the driver after the key is turned.

 

Damnit you beat me to it.

 

I do the fake security sticker thing. I had fake LoJack stickers and when they wore out I replaced them with fake Toyota security stickers. I figure a guy roaming around in a parking lot looking to break into something will hopefully see the security sticker and skip my truck for another less risky target. I also leave the usual safety gear and first aid stuff, raincoats, and minor things like that in an unlocked toolbox in the bed of the truck. This is to give them something to grab and run off with and hopefully not break into the cab and do a bunch of damage. I am pretty sure that the photo above of the LowJack sticker on the blue F150 is my photo I posted on a F150 forum.

The latest fake stickers that I have on both rear door windows:

 

Would not a thief do a lot of damage before noticing the pedal lock ?

 

Ive thought of this too, thats why im gonna put a big sign that says
“Bro look down, ur fucked.”

 

If I wanted somebody's vehicle bad enough I would just use a cordless sawzall to cut the steering wheel enough to remove a Lock Bar. It would take less than a minute.
This thing is on Amazon for 160-170 bucks and its a little better than a Lock bar like, THE CLUB. But I think I could get past it too.

$270 Disklok Security Device - Steering Wheel Lock - Full Cover - Silver - Thatcham Approved (Medium, 15.4in - 16.3in)

https://www.amazon.com/Disklok-Secu...prToken=4JvlzRqiMt8FkEamBqHZAg&slotNum=8&th=1

For best the results the pedal lock should be on the brakes on a manual trans. I can shift gears without using the clutch. And I could down shift for braking.
The pedal lock on an auto trans hooked on the brake might work better than a manual.
I'd use the Emergency brake in either scenario to stop.

Of course after bending over 3 times to hook it up I proably stop using it.

I like the idea of having the lights on high beam, but my dumb ass would leave it on high and forget.

 

Trunk monkey is the only anti theft I use

https://youtu.be/WFqr3_frh3Q

 

Most of the cars stolen around here have the keys left in the vehicle or in the vehicle next to it that also belongs to the owner. Keeping your car locked and not leaving your keys in it along with not leaving anything in the car will go a long way.

 

I grew up in Albuquerque and currently live here so I totally understand your concern. All of this is based off my time and experience here and when I lived in Tempe Arizona.

First look up the rate at which Tacoma's are stolen in New Mexico I am not sure they are high on the list as much as full size domestic trucks and some import sedans. There might be some anti-theft option already on the vehicle that makes them less of a target. The car thieves around here aren't the brightest bulbs in the batch so I don't see them boosting your key codes but if that is a concern keep your keys well inside your house away from your walls/doors or in an RFID pouch. Thieves do tend to adapt but high tech isn't their strong suit in my opinion since they tend to be high school drop outs with born to lose tattooed all over their face.

• Garage your truck this will keep the overnight zombies from pilfering items in your car. Also don't leave anything in plain sight, they are looking for quick easy scores so they can keep fending off the DTs. Tinting might help some but I've never seen it slow down a motivated dirtbag.
• There are some Facebook groups dedicated to crime and car theft that are worth keeping an eye on as well as looking at the type of crimes in your neighborhood there is a crime map website which is helpful too.
• Keep your truck locked and don't warm it up in the winter unattended. A lot of car thefts occur when people warm up their cars in the winter and leave the keys in the car. Also be aware when entering your truck or backing out of your garage. Don't leave the truck running even if you just have to run inside for a quick sec. Never leave the keys in your truck even in the garage.
• Wheel locks, brake locks, spare tire locks, tail gate locks, license plate security screws, and even alarms are just deterrents but they do cut down on those thieves looking for an easy score.
• One thing a lot of people miss and I still need to get mine done is get your windows etched with your VIN#. Windows are a high value item and etched windows are a deterrent for thieves looking to sell to chop shops.
• Make any external mod items as difficult to steal as possible. It may only slow them down but it means they are adding on risk by taking time.
• Try to make your truck as visible as possible when parking it and if parked outside overnight a security cam might help alert you to any shenanigans (at the very least it might ID the thief).

There is only so much you can do. I've had stereos stolen, head lights stolen, side mirrors stolen, tools taken, had my car vandalized (this was in Southie so shit happens in any city), gas siphoned, and license plates taken. A car alarm with an impact sensor saved one of my Jeeps from being stolen (~1994) so they do help in my opinion. The one thing that helped the most for the past 20 years was just parking my vehicles in a garage and keeping the interior looking bare when parked anywhere else and if I felt like an area was sketchy (like UNM G or Q parking lots) I would use my brake lock even though I know they can be easily defeated. It's more of a visible sign to thieves that I am aware and willing make things difficult for them if that makes sense. If I drove a full sized Chevy or Ford truck I would be more concerned about theft since they seem to get taken pretty frequently.

Here are a couple decent information sites so of it is dated but it hasn't changed all that much over the years:
https://www.cabq.gov/police/crime-prevention-safety/auto-theft
http://www.rmiia.org/auto/auto_theft/new_mexico_auto_theft_statistics.asp

 

Probably considered a booby trap, with fines and imprisonment and lawsuits.

California code:

Nice idea, but seems a pain to store, especially in a reg cab.

I use the Kraco Nightstick, similar to the Club, but easier to store.

 

My Great Aunt bought a Chevy Corsica in 91, she always put a club on her steering wheel. It had the 3.1 in it, but I don't think they was on the hot list back then.

 

I'd be more worried about vandalism/theft then vehicle theft! Don't leave shit inside that they can see....

Your asking for it!

 

Okay so i finally got the brake lock in the mail.
I ordered the only one with an American sounding name and the thing is branded with Chinese names like Lequi and Qunhu but im not too surprised.
This lock is super unsatisfying to lock/unlock and im worried it will eventually break and be stuck locked onto my pedal....thinking i may keep the bracket and just use a long masterlock through it
Here’s a few pics
“Rogue nemesis stong and sturdy”







Update:This thing is a compete peice of junk, I just locked it to my brake and you can still slide it up and out of the way. Dont waste your time, I’ll be returning this.