Thief got in my car last night. Want to secure things for the future. Help

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

Didn't know about the batteries, but I've heard about the stealing of catalytic converters. At least they didn't strip your 0g or 4g wire for the copper //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

And this is why you get comprehensive insurance. So you're covered when someone breaks into your car! It typically adds very little to your premium with a low deductible. If someone steals my $1000s of equipment, I only pay $50 and it adds under $20 a month to my premium. This also covers cracked windows due to road hazards and nature damage to my car (hitting a deer, tree falling on car, storm, hail, etc).

 

[fbi90909 5,000+ posts]

there are some shady folks in the military. i wouldnt go around leaving windows down, doors unlocked, and keys in the ignition....lolz

yeah but where i live, crime is stupid low. so i don't worry too much about theft at home. shit we don't lock our doors to the house. now out in town i do lock up my car at all times.

 

[Kai Winters 10+ year member]

Theft of this sort has been around as long as people have had stuff in their cars that someone else wants.

I am 52 and have lost 5 systems since I got into this back in 1973. I have had my 8 tracks stolen...bastards they are worth a lot to idiots these days lol...I had 3 varied Alpine units stolen, etc. My cars were always locked, except once when they went into my driveway and stole a complete system while I slept. They tore the car apart pretty well too.

It sucked 35 years ago and it sucks today.

We had our apartment broken into as well one time while we were away for a weekend. Besides losing "stuff" just the thought of people of this type in our home was difficult to deal with. Bad people just ****.

My suggestions are to always, always, always secure your car no matter where you are. Even for that quick trip into the mall, etc.

Buy a good alarm system with a nice, loud horn. I know they can be bypassed by the pros but 90% of thefts are by amateurs and too large a percentage are by someone you know...an acquaintance or peripheral person in your friend group. Also working on your car in your yard is like putting a big sign up saying "cool system here, steal when you can". It is hard not to but that is when the alarm comes in handy.

Stealth your system as best you can. I learned the hard way that having stickers on your windows acclaiming stereo companies, etc is also a "come steal me" sign. My speakers are behind stock grilles, etc., unfortunately my hu is in the open but taking the face off is a great way to make it less stealable.

Whoever stole the battery knew you or somehow knew the battery was in the car. Unfortunately it is someone you would not ordinarily suspect.

It is not worth the aggravation of hurting that individual if you knew who it was. It feels great to think about what we would all like to do to people that violate our space but is just not worth the long term problems it would cause.

You can buy another battery and have learned a good lesson for a relatively small cost.

 

[Intercooler 10+ year member]

I am going to go on a search to see if I can find security screws and some brackets to attach my box with subs to the metal in the trunk. Anyone have something like this or another idea that will make them have to work long and hard to take them out?

Battery is a totally different challenge. I was looking today and only thing way I see of doing anything is a cable or chain around the bottom of the tray and over the battery with a lock on it. If they can't lift it up even after getting the brackets off it will never come out because of how it is sandwiched in. I would probably need to make it custom length so it is taught.......... Think this will work?

 

[RebelDogg 10+ year member]

First, get an alarm. Even a cheap one is better than nothing. I like the Viper 5900, but I suggest anything with a 2-way remote. Everyone but you will just ignore your alarm and hope it goes off soon. If your little beeper goes off, get your gun. Or if you want to be a ***** you can call the cops... and lose your shit... and have to deal with the cops... then have to explain the theives must have dropped that baggie... that's not mine, officer.

Second, if you can, move your hood release. If they can't find the hood release, they won't be able to pop the hood so easy (yes, I read your post Alpine50, but most times people breaking into cars are not that professional) . If you really want to make it difficult, put the hood release under the hood. That'll do it.

Third, parking under a bright assed light just makes is easier to see inside your car. A friend of mines car got broken into. There was a woman who saw the guy popping the lock, but said the guy told her he locked his keys in the car. She actually offered to let him use her AAA, but he said he had a coat hanger and he would get it.

Fourth, hide a midget in the back seat with a baseball bat. Just remember to feed him twice a day. It's great security.

Last, don't blast your system anywhere around the neighborhood where you're parking over night. Unless you do #4. Then you've got nothing to worry about.

Hope that helps.

 

[cdimic25 10+ year member]

i need to bolt everything down, lol i made a joke one day that i didnt do it because then the thieives can take everything in one grab lol.