alarm aholic

•     HI !   12   VOLTS    BAY    FRIENDS.   IN    MEXICO    WE   GOT    A    SERIOUS   PROBLEM:   CARS    ARE    STOLEN     EVEN     WITH    A    STEERING     WHEEL   LOCK,    EVEN    WITH   A    WELL    INSTALLED     SECURITY    SYSTEM.   MY     NEIGHBORS     AND    I     HAVE    HAD     VERY    BAD   EXPERIENCES     WITH    CARS    THIEVES.     OWN    VEHICLES    HAD    GOOD    ALARMS    LIKE    CLIFFORD,    VIPER,     AND     HORNET,    BUT    THEY    CANNOT    STOP    CARS     THEFT.    SO,    WHAT     SHOULD     WE     DO  ?    PLEASE,    HELP    US     TO     STOP     THIS !      THANKS !

If someone REALLY wants to steal a car, they can find a way no matter what kind of security you have.   Meaning that the best theives can outsmart even the best security systems and installs.

Someone once told me that having a security system well installed and well planned buys time; and, that buying time is what you are really trying to accomplish if you are trying to prevent your car from being stolen from one of those "good" theives. 

-Alarms with normally open starter kill and placing the starter kill relay (or multiple starter kill relays) completely away from the ignition switch is a start.  Also connecting fuel pump and fuel injector kills to a normally open starter kill circuit is a good idea.  Normally open starter kills usually DON'T close to enable the relay when the power is cut to the alarm, and that is the advantage.  Of course they can start the car at the starter as mentioned, but if they attempt to start it from the inside they waste time.  Plus if the injectors and fuel pump are disabled they aren't going anywhere until they find out what is going on.

-Many cars have "transponder" systems or systems like GM's PASSLOCK or PASSKEY systems.  While these can be disabled they take time to do and that is something else that again buys time.  Getting a vehicle that cuts the fuel supply via the PCM if the key isn't used is another step towards "time buying".

-Disabling fuel, ignition and computer systems in modern cars pretty much renders them undriveable until the theif can supply power to them, so if you can figure out practical ways to disable them (as mentioned above) then you're one step ahead.  You could always take out those fuses but then the theif could use other fuses if he figures it out, so you'd have to take all of them--not very convenient.  Still a dumb theif might never figure out why the car cranks but won't stay running.  It doesn't prevent them from towing it away but it does prevent the driveaway theif.

-Similarly a steering wheel lock or multiple steering wheel locks will also delay the theft.  As someone said they may be "ornaments" in the opinion of some but still require some time (even if only seconds) to cut.

-Battery back-up for the alarm module (hidden from view and not obvious) as well as battery back up siren(s) are a good idea.  As well, hide the module and wiring WELL.

-Multiple interior pain generators (mini sirens) will also deter theft and may also deafen the theft or drive them from the car.  Of course they could wear earplugs but I'm sure many don't--at least not on the first attempt to steal a car.

-Make sure all entry points are protected by the alarm and add appropriate sensors as mentioned above to prevent jacking/towing without the alarm going off.  Proximity/Microwave sensors--another good idea.  There are even sensors these days that alert the alarm if a nut is removed from a wheel.  (The sensor is in the wheel lug and is wireless.)

-Hood locks and trunk locks can also be added although most likely costly. 

-FM Paging is a must.  Buying all the time in the world for you to get to your car but if you don't know it is being broken into the theif then has all the time in the world anyhow.

These are just a few ideas and although they can always be bypassed by theives it is the time it takes to bypass them and the difficulty for the theif.  The more time it takes, the more time you have to get to your car to scare off the theif.  The more difficult it is, the more likely the thief will not complete the job.

 Hey first off, I just wanted to say, AWESOME FORUM and SITE!!

As to how to prevent the thieving of cars and such.....Well, do what I did.  Befriend a thief or two and have them tell you the tricks of their trade.  I know it sounds like I am sleeping with the enemy so to speak, but as much as I hate to admit it, I have learned a few things.  Best words of advice I can give are:

1) Don't do the same install twice.  Meaning, always change the location of the brain, relays, etc.  Make it a guessing game for the thief.

2) As someone said earlier (too lazy to scroll up and see, sorry bub), invest in fuel shut off switches, put in mulitiple starter kills, make it a challenge.  Hell if you really wanna have fun with them, hook the alarm up to a totally seperate battery, one that has no function to the rest of the car.

3) I don't know the laws in Mexico so look 'em up.  You might be lucky compared to us states guys.  You might be able to hook electric shock up to the door handles. hehehe.  Now it should be stated, it is ILLEGAL to do that in the USA.  Although other countries allow it.  ( I think we should write our congressmen guys and gals)

Also, you might wanna check out a company called autobolt.  Basically deadbolts for your car.  Good way to secure all points of entry (except windows. but hey that's what Lexan's for!)

Like I said, best way to defeat and compete with a thief.  Learn their mentallity and think like them.  Remember, not only is our job to make killer sound systems, but it's also out job to make a Car Thief's life and job a living nightmare. 

P.S.  for a lil more fun, hook up a smoke bomb to the alarm.  JUST KIDDING!!!

here is a cut and paste from a post I wrote on a MR2 board about theft. Cheap easy tricks I thought of.

David

-the new guy

1 tip: Disconnect the hood lever then wrap it up with black tape so it looks like another wire and hide it. When you need to open your hood just pull on the cable with your hands. Prevents a Battery attack.