stereowest customers //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/naughty.gif.94359f346c0f1259df8038d60b41863e.gif
DJSCREW and others,
The story of audio stores selling, installing, then STEALING the gear back, is as old as time. Truth of the matter is, it is a bad few that do it, and make a bad name for others.
It is about as likely as going to the hospital for a spider bite, and having a leg amputated accidentally, it is maybe .0001% of chance.
HOWEVER, FOR YOU TO SAY THAT A REPUTABLE COMPANY like SWAT does it as policy, or condones it is ABSURD!
Even if there is only one employee doing it consistently, don't you think the police could easily link the pieces together? Of course they would. AND IF THEY DID THIS AS A COMPANY THEY WOULD BE OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!
As far as installing a secret switch to disable an alarm (you didn't post that) that is just assinine. An installer would just code another remote to your alarm....
The thing that bothers me the most about your post, is that many of us in this industry work very hard to uphold a practice of honesty, and integrity for many years. Unfortunately, it only takes one ignorant, misinformed, or immature kid to help spread a ridiculous rumor such as this, about a long standing business in the community.
You obviously have no idea whatsoever, how damaging your "old lady" gossip is to professional and hard working people/businesses.
As a professional in this industry for 15 years, I will share with you how thefts normally happen:
1. Police will tell you that almost 50% of audio gear stolen from cars soon after purchase, are done so by YOUR FRIENDS, or FRIENDS OF THEIRS!
2. Most young people that get new gear, DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD WHERE THEY LIVE BLASTING IT AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE, and being proud of their new gear, SHOW IT OFF EVERY TIME THEY CAN! Doing this attracts all kinds of attention from EVERYONE! Including low life types....
This accounts for 8 out of 10 thefts of car audio gear.
Yes I have been a little brash with you, but you shouldn't be repeating such ignorance.
The best way to leave a stereo shop feeling comfortable, is to listen to them, and buy a good alarm. Have them DELETE all transmitters for your unit in front of you, then code ONLY your remotes right there. Secondly, don't post your new stuff on myspace, don't brag to all of your buddies about how much $$ you just put in your car. And when you get about a mile from home, turn Dr. Dre down, so people don't hear your system, and watch where you park their next score.
Most installers that work for me make more than their parents, AND get car audio so cheap it would blow your mind. So to take the chance of losing their career, and going to jail is extremely STUPID, NOT UNLIKE YOUR SPREADING OF THIS PETTY RUMOR.......//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/verymad.gif.3f39c5c2fd57527b671fad3efdfac756.gif