How immune is your car from theft? Rachel Eldred reports on which devices can help keep your car safe.
My friend’s old bomb, which set her back $1000, was stolen from outside her home. Someone obviously thought it was the perfect car for a joy ride, or to use to get home after a night out, two of the three most common reasons why cars are stolen. The other is to commit another crime. Even the most beat-up car is vulnerable to theft. In fact, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) most cars stolen are over 10 years old. Clearly, where you park your car (in the city rather than in the country or on the street rather than in a garage) is a factor in how thief-proof it is, yet so too is the car itself. According to the NMVTRC, a vehicle is stolen every six minutes in Australia which adds up to around 90,000 cars a year. To ensure your car doesn’t become another statistic, here’s what you can do to make sure your car stays yours.
The first thing is immobilise. An engine immobiliser is an electronic device that disables at least two of the three systems needed to get your car started: the ignition, fuel system and starter motor. Most new cars have an immobiliser fitted as standard but if you own an older car you can have one installed. The cost is around $200 as part of the Immobilise Now! campaign run by the NMVTRC. These immobilisers comply with the current Australian standard, carry an industry warranty and are installed by licensed technicians.
Statistics reveal that immobilisers work. Research by the NMVTRC indicates that of all vehicles stolen only seven per cent are those with immobilisers, which is a reasonable percentage given that immobilisers are fitted to around 45 per cent of vehicles in Australia. It was also shown that of those stolen, the thief had access to the original key.
Steering-wheel locks are another deterrent, though more visual than practical and not nearly as effective as an immobiliser. The best types are made of hardened steel and come with a star-shaped key, as thieves can break a more flimsy-type lock or they can simply bend the steering wheel to pop them off. Strong steering-wheel locks can stop a thief from turning the wheel if fitted correctly, with the extension arm between the driver’s door and the windscreen. However this isn’t possible with all cars, so your better bet is an immobiliser, or to fit a car alarm.
Recently a car alarm went off outside my bedroom window at daybreak. I looked out to see the owner helplessly trying to turn it off. The doors were open, the bonnet up and on it droned… for the next 20 minutes! Nevertheless, no one was going to steal it. A car alarm is clearly a useful way to scare off a thief, and if you buy an alarm with a ‘panic button’ on the key tag, you can sound it if ever you are near your car and find yourself in a threatening situation. It’s recommended that you buy a car alarm that is Australian Standards certified. Such an alarm should have:
A new addition to the high-tech security business is a product called DataDot. This technology uses microdots that are laser etched with a unique identifier that can associate the vehicle with its owner. These tiny dots are sprayed onto vehicle components and are not visible with the naked eye.
Another option is a vehicle monitoring and tracking device, which allows your vehicle to be monitored 24/7. It’s best to do your homework, as some use mobile phone networks to track cars and are subject to black spots. Others use a radio-based communication network but only work in metropolitan areas. These are pretty pricey; best used for expensive cars.
You may also consider wheel clamps, which prevent a car from being driven away when fitted and locked to a tyre. There are also wheel locks, which prevent wheels from being stolen (great if you own expensive tyres). But, again, the proven option against unlawful use is the engine immobiliser. And don’t forget the basics: bonnet and door locks.
In the early 1990s, transmission locks were big for a while, and they still offer reasonable protection as they restrict the movement of floor-mounted gear levers. However, a thief can get under a car and bypass the lock. Similarly, ignition shields offered a reliable and affordable theft deterrent in the early 1990s; they prevented a thief from pulling the ignition switch out and starting the car with a screwdriver. But, their use is limited to only a few cars, the Commodore VN, VP, VK, VR, VS and VL, and the Toyota Lexcen. With the more recent models, a thief is unable to start a car with a screwdriver if the ignition switch has been pulled out.
If you own a new car, or are on the lookout for one, visit mynrma theft scores for a comprehensive look at which vehicles offer the best security. You’ll find that each car is given a score out of 120 based on how difficult it is to break into, steal and possibly ‘rebirth’ (which doesn’t involve a New Age healer but simply means changing the car’s identification for resale). The higher the score the better, so finger’s crossed your car makes the grade. Also, your insurance company may have precise guidelines, such as specific security features, that you must adhere to before you are actually covered. Check
your insurance policy to see what you’re covered for.
You can call NRMA Technical Advice on 1300 655 443 for more information on car alarms and vehicle monitoring and tracking devices. And if you want to purchase an engine immobiliser or find out more about them, call 1300 132 146 or visit www.carsafe.com.au
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