kyle10182 said:
Just to sabve this to this site, where hopefully it won't disappear.
Car Theft - Top Tips on Anti-Theft Devices
The
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has solutions for all sorts of theft; this is their advice on anti-theft for cars. These prices are guidelines; find a solution that best fits your budget. Read the following tips from NICB or visit the
NICB site for additional theft solutions.
Common Sense
--1. Remove Ignition Keys
------If removed from the ignition after every use, ordinary ignition keys can significantly reduce the
------likelihood of theft.
------ * Cost: Standard in all models
------ * Benefits: Easy to use
--2. Door Locks/Closed Windows
------Door locks, the original anti-theft device, and closed windows effectively limit access to the
------vehicle’s interior.
------ * Cost: Standard in all models
------ * Benefits: Prevents easy access
--3. Park in a Well-Lit Area
------Parking in a well-lit area discourages thieves from approaching a vehicle because of visibility.
------ * Cost: None
------ * Benefits: Prevents easy access
Warning Devices
--1. Audible Alarms
------Audible alarms are typically equipped with motion or impact sensors, which trigger a
------120-decibel siren.
------ * Cost: $150 - $1,000
------ * Benefits: Effective in preventing thefts, burglaries and vandalism
--2. Steering Column Collars
------Steering column collars prevent thieves from “hot-wiring” the vehicle. Some collars are
------installed permanently. Others must be continuously activated.
------ * Cost: $100 - $200 installed
------ * Benefits: Excellent protection for older vehicles
--3. Steering Wheel Locks
------A steering wheel lock is a metal bar designed to prevent the steering wheel from turning.
------ * Cost: $25 - $100
------ * Benefits: Excellent visual deterrent
--4. Steering Wheel/Brake Pedal Lock
------Prevents depression of the brake pedal.
------ * Cost: $15 - $80
------ * Benefits: Excellent visible deterrent
--5. Tire Locks
------Similar to the circular steel “boots” used by many large city police departments, tire locks
------prevent the vehicle from being driven.
------ * Cost: $80 - $200
------ * Benefits: Excellent visible deterrent
--6. Tire Deflators
------Attaches to the tire valve stem and causes the tire to go flat if the tire rotates before they are
------removed.
------ * Cost: Under $50
------ * Benefits: Easy and inexpensive to use.
--7. Theft Deterrent Decals
------Theft deterrent decals visually warn thieves the vehicle is protected by an alarm or other
------antitheft devices.
------ * Cost: $2 - $5
------ * Benefits: Inexpensive but effective
--8. Identification markers in or on vehicle
------Security labels marking various vehicle parts enabling the part to be identified if removed from
------the vehicle.
------ * Cost: $2 - $15
------ * Benefits: Inexpensive, discourages thieves from stealing the vehicle and aids in recovery
--9. Window Etching
------Etching the vehicle identification number or other traceable number onto the vehicle’s
------windows makes it difficult for thieves to resell the vehicle or its parts.
------ * Cost: Free to $100
------ * Benefits: Discourages thieves from stealing the vehicle and aids in recovery
-10. Laminated Glass
------Impact resistant protective glazing applied to vehicle windows designed to fortify the windows
------against penetration or splintering.
------ * Cost: Standard
------ * Benefits: Excellent protection for vehicle windows
Immobilizing Devices
--1. Smart Keys
------Smart keys contain specially coded computer chips or radio frequencies. Without the exact
------key, the vehicle’s engine cannot be started.
------ * Cost: Standard in some models
------ * Benefits: Effective and extremely easy to use
--2. Fuse cut-offs
------Short circuits the electrical system, preventing the vehicle from starting.
------ * Cost: $40 - $90
------ * Benefits: Inexpensive and relatively easy to install
--3. Kill Switches
------Kill switches inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch is
------activated.
------ * Cost: $10 - $125
------ * Benefits: Inexpensive and relatively easy to install
--4. Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
------Short circuits the electrical or fuel system, preventing the vehicle from starting, or causes the
------vehicle to stop running within a short time.
------ * Cost: Standard in some models
------ * Benefits: Inexpensive and easy to use
Tracking Devices
--1. Tracking Devices
------Most tracking devices are electronic transmitters hidden in the vehicle, which emit signals to
------the police or monitoring stations when the vehicle is reported stolen.
------ * Cost: $400 to $1,500
------ * Benefits: Effective in recovering stolen vehicles
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