Cannonbear's car being stolen caused me to wonder if the alarm in my car would really deter someone from stealing/vandalizing it. My car (used) came with the alarm, and I always set it when I'm out of the car. Do you think the person would notice the alarm and go elsewhere? Like a dog barking in a house? Or do so many cars have them that thieves don't care anymore?

 

I think it depends on the location you're in Msperky. Obviously you'd hear it in your driveway.

If they want it and have a flat bed, there's not much you can do but if they're boositng it to start it there are lots of simple things like put an interuption switch with a hidden toggle to your fuel pump. That way even if they have a chip to replace yours, they aren't going anywhere unless they tow it.

I had a blazer once with twin fuel tanks. It had a manual valve under the seat to change the tanks. It also had an off position. My truck was stolen, they got two blocks.

There are several versions of lojac out there too, some built into alarms, all are subscription services.

fltsfshr

 

i like to think so... =D

 

to answer your question ... i think ....
Deter ? Yes.
Prevent ? No.

 

So I have been told:

Lojack has the problem that the tracking signal can be jammed as it is similar to a CB. Only authorized car dealers can install (no Honda dealership in my area).

Satellite tracking can follow your car anywhere in the US but can be disrupted if thieves load the car into a closed truck

Current systems are effective in preventing unsophisticated thieves, or typical punks from taking the car from a ride. One remote system can inform you between 1/4 to 1/2 mile if the car is being bumped or intruded. There are sensors if someone sticks an arm into your car with top down & inform you if you are in range. Likewise if the glass gets broken or the car gets tilted (steal rims). If a professional thief wants your car they will get it.

Best advice is get a good alarm, park in reasonable areas, don't lose sleep and enjoy the car.

 

In my opinion it's better to have an alarm then to not have one. It is just one more thing that is an obsticle for them to get around and time is their enemy. Also, the more sophisticated your alarm is the more trouble they will have. Backup battery, well-hidden brain, hood lock, and proximity\shock sensors each kick it up a notch.

Autolocks are probably the best deterrent because your every-day-joe thief cannot or probably wont want to go through the hassle of removing one. My GSR, however, got stolen with it on the clutch pedal. They somehow bent the top corner of the clutch pedal and got it off. I saw a new type of autolock that goes over both the brake and clutch pedal, which I dont see possible to remove.

Another thing with lojack is thieves sometimes will ditch your car somewhere after stealing it and leave it for a few hours. If a police officer has not yet recovered it they will pick it up and strip it.

 

Lojack early warning system... great way to go.

Lojack automatically calls you at up to five different #'s if your car moves without the lojack key fob in it.

 

A kill switch is probably the easiest, most inexpensive security item you can add to your car, and a decent alarm will prevent the casual opportunist theif.

 

MsPerky i am sending you a PM okay?

sending now...

 

I think it only stops the casual thieves

Around us the thieves have taken to breaking into the house solely to get at the car keys

Hence our keys live in our bedside cabinet at night now