I hate that kind of thing.

The last time I went away for a while leaving the car at home I had the idle valve disconnected. The guys would have stall at least 3 times before reaching the gate!

fishing is very common in liverpool, my mates  806 and smart car were taken the smae night in this way.

The legal minded on here may be able to shed more light but dont insurance treat theft of a vehicle diferent if the keys are used ??? Silly but I recall an insurance company refusing to pay out when the house was broken into and the car keys taken and then the car taken as a getaway vehicle.  Im probably wrong!

Fit a bloody big iron post in your drive, just remeber to remove it before you leave in the morning!

Sorry to hear that Richie.

Unfortunately, if they are good and really want the car there is nothing you can do to stop them. I think the trick is to make it more difficult to rob you car than the guy up the road with the 330ci!

A steering wheel lock might not be a bad idea as it'll put one more obstactle in their way of robbing it.  Or a security pole in the driveway as Mike suggested if you can park in the drive.

Is there any chance though that they were just guys you'd sold dodgy angel eyes to looking for a refund??

I take the fuel pump fuse out as a quick immobiliser if I'm leaving it somewhere for a bit. As u disturbed them @ a late hour, I doubt they'll look on your whip as a soft target for a return visit.

Fair play to your local PC plod too. When an attempt was made on my car, and then the house to try for keys, my next door neighbour called the Gardai, and then other houses rang and basically guided the guards to where the lads were hiding in a neighbouring park. Twas mad how it worked out, but a result all the same! 

I'd still prefer to keep the keys in the bedroom than leaving them downstairs (maybe it's just habit because I'm used to sharing houses with people who aren't family).

I know that a couple of people put a webcam on their cars at night from a window.  What might put a few would-be theives off is an obvious camera pointing straight over the car and down the drive, where it would get the theives faces as they come into the drive and catch them on the act.

It doesn't have to be real; it just has to look real!

BM Fan wrote: Get a Rotweiller and hang the keys on his collar.  I don't know anyone that would enter a house with an unknown dog inside.

"'ere, mister; can your doggie put out foires?????"

Best anti theft device is a dead battery, i can't even start my car....

again comes back to how insurance view it, i remember that case for some reason.  As said if someone wants a car that bad they will get it, a fezza was taken in broad daylight off a drive way by a low loader back by my folks house, when questioned the guys just said the owner had failed to keep up repayments and it was being repossessed, car was never seen again!

Probably just a passing scum chancing his/her arm as the car does look good, dont put it down mate

Sh1t Richie - not nice to see that sort of activity round your house.  I'm not surprised that you lost a few hours sleep.

As has been said already - the greater the obstacle of getting the car the less likely they will be to try adn take it.  If you can block your car in the driveway with another car and/or a post then they're not as likely to go to the hassle of taking it. 

I think if I had an M3 I would really like to keep it in a garage so that they wouldn't necessarily know if it is in or not and a cheapo second car ignorantly parked infront of the garage doors to put them off the idea. 

I keep my keys in a press downstairs but the thought of someone coming up to the bedrooms would be awful.  Not like my car is such hot property but my mate's bog standard Fiesta was taken after they entered through the front door and took the keys off the kitchen table - car never seen again.  Scary!

Richie wrote: Yes I have lock nuts!

Richie, I think you can get a cream for that!

Seriously though, like we usually say when someone has had an accident, its only a car and they can be replaced.  No one WANTS to lose their pride a joy but on the question of keys upstairs/downstairs, I know I value my car less than I value the safety of any family members. 

I agree that the more physical impediments there are the greater the chance of putting off the casual low life.  Steering/gear lever locks, chains, etc. all slow them down and make it easier for them to rob next doors car.  If the waste of space is determined enough, then having done everything possible to slow him down, I'd prefer he finds the keys himself rather than needing my help.

lads please stop mentioning how likely an M3 is to get nicked, was late this morning and have to leave it in the station car park... im freaked now and considering leaving work early...

whole wheel jobbie is the business richie

I was thinking of putting a switch for the fuel pump in the car. Is that possible?

I also think the idea of the cam (fake or not) can be dissuasive enough.

 sorry to hear that richie  security light is a start   , also aldi are selling a cheap security  camera  at the minute.. might be worth a look  

http://www.aldi.ie/ - http://www.aldi.ie/

UJM3 wrote: Id go with the chain and pad lock (as i do) problem with some of the steering locks with the extended arm is they can actually used as leverage to break the cars own steering lock. Dunno why nobody as invented something to lock the clutch pedal to the floor, wouldn't get very far if ever if they managed to start it.

I think you just worked out how to start your empire in security products Ultan!

Another simple one - one of my friends wires up specialist immobilisers. 

Some of them are set up so that you have to turn on your parking lights, press the brake and turn of the aircon before the ignition will start.  That might only get you 100 yards if you haven't pressed the button to engage the fuel pump!

The last 2 Hondas I had both had Cobra touch-key immobilisers.  The thing about immobilisers and trackers is that they're no good if the fitter doesn't hide them well, and some fitters put them in the most convienient spot to fit them in which, unfortunately, is the most convienient spot for the thief to find them in!

JohnH wrote: I think you just worked out how to start your empire in security products Ultan!

lol!

Richie got those security products you wanted and check out this site about a possible alarm with pager if you want to be extra safe when away from her when you are on the town http://www.fk-automotive.com/en/ - http://www.fk-automotive.com/en/  and check out electronic accessories.

Will talk to you on Friday

Lads

I also tend to sh1t myself when reading these threads.  You'll probably all think I'm insane but I don't even have a drive-in for my E46 M3 (on street parking) and I frequently worry about theft.  Its not necessarily the car itself..........its the thought that some scumbag might try to break in to get the keys.  It was my last major consideration before buying the car but in the end I figured that sometimes you just have to live and take your chances.

I also don't use any form of steering wheel or handbrake locks because I know that the casual car thief cannot steal these cars without the keys, but the type of person thats prepared to break into your home and/or terrorize you and your family into giving them the keys is not likely to be easily deterred by such devices.  And they can always terrorize you into giving them the keys for such devices.  Therefore, my keys sit in a fairly accessible place downstairs (not in easy reach of the front door mind you so the total opportunist wont find it a simple touch).

Mick

most bmws are stolen to order and are not simply opportunist as the standard bmw immobiliser is known to be pretty good.  Likelihood is they were checking if it was worth smashing the window to rob whats inside, which is now my biggest fear!

topazman wrote: Just one last piece of advice do not discuss your security arrangements or where you leave your keys etc on the forum because we don't know who is watching

Yep, one guy in France got carjacked and the guys called him by is forum name!

Richie wrote: a spike will shoot up from beneath the seats implaing you there while it drives you to the nearest Garda station by itself.

I think Richie I would be bringing it up to the mountains and throwing him out up there and let him scream in agony like the scum he is cause nobody would hear him

kbannon wrote: Niall, I was thinking of it yesterday actually!

Are we looking at a return visit?? 

Best I had was a couple of young lads messing with my car a few years ago.  It was parked at the end of an access only road at the back of my flat.  I heard them outside and went out - the first thing they knew about it was when they heard the slide being being pulled on a replica gun I had on loan from an antique militaria dealer!

You've never seen 2 guys do the 100 metres so fast - Ben Johnson had nothing on them!  Also, didn't need to buy fertiliser for a month!!!

UJM3 wrote: Dunno why nobody as invented something to lock the clutch pedal to the floor, wouldn't get very far if ever if they managed to start it.

I might be betraying my age here, but if I recall, this was the approach of the original Krooklock, a U shaped hook around the clutch pedal and the rim of the steering wheel (like the diagram below, if it has pasted OK).

Figure 10 Krooklock®-type movement inhibitor.

Niall

I was more illustrating the point that something to "lock" the clutch pedal had already been done than holding the original krooklock out as a state of the art anti-theft device!

But, its a simple concept that could easily be brought up to date with current lock and steel technologies.  Just trying to help UJM3 with his new business idea!

If I remember rightly Saabs of old did not have a steering wheel lock but a gear lever lock.

Also in ye olden days I don't know if such a product is still available, there was a handbrake to gear lever lock.

That's my tuppence (2.54c)

gjoconnor92 wrote: If I remember rightly Saabs of old did not have a steering wheel lock but a gear lever lock. Also in ye olden days I don't know if such a product is still available, there was a handbrake to gear lever lock. That's my tuppence (2.54c)

Also a load of rubbish I have seen these been broken of like twigs and if someone saw this on a car they would start laughing at your attempt at security. The gear lock would be handy but with if they had your keys it would be worthless also, the only thing is an immobliser that can be activated when they get your car down the road and when the car slows down or comes to a stop the engine cuts out and the alarm sounds and the car is useless. Seen this on an E46 M3 where they took the keys and got up to 100mph before they came to a junction and the owner activated the system and the car was going nowhere    

Sorry to hear that scum paid you visit Rich.

I think its worth fitting one of those posts in the driveway, it's got to be an instant deterant. I'm a fan of the lock and chain, link around a couple of places on the steering wheel and the frame of the seat.

I bought one of these jobbies, you need a torch to cut through it but suppose they could always cut a few lumps out of the steering wheel.

http://www.weissenfels.com - www.weissenfels.com for more details

I used a chain and 3 padlocks a few years back on a Ford Cosworth. Locked the end link to the clutch pedal, then to the brake pedal and pulled it tight and put the last padlock through the chain and the seat belt mount. Was a bit of a pain but hoped it would be enough of a deterrent. Seemed to work. Car was never touched.

It's sad, that we even have to talk about this.

Knew a guy who kept a crossbow under his bed but that's another story !!

I agree totally with you Topazman about the effectiveness of the devices I mentioned. I commented about them in a historical context.

I also agree that any device that when they get the car going stops them in a public place is a great deterent to abandon the car. For example the steering wheel clamp removed in 117 seconds, if you are gone on 2 weeks holidays the low lifes have 14*24*60*60 = 1209600 seconds but if same car is stopped at a roundabout they will have no time to relax.

In the old days the fuel line tap was good because there would be enough to drive a few hundred yards in the fuel line and float chamber and the car would seem like it was breaking down as it came to a stop.

My old fella used to never lock his car. He worked in Cork city centre for over 30yrs, and not only would he not lock it, often he would leave the boot open (he always had estates) so when the parking attendant came along he'd say "ah we're only loading up". And there it would sit for the day! And there was never once anything taken from it. It used to drive me bananas when I worked there during summers, partic as removable stereos came into fashion..

He never got parking tickets either, except from one fella. Eventually he got them all quashed as yer man was bordering on harassment; he'd be there when he was off duty, trying to get other fellas to give him a ticket and intimidate the old fella! (there was a dispute over what historically was a loading bay belonging to the property, and whether it was still classified as one, to put the whole story in context).

So now, a light-hearted story to brighten up your Friday, and the post.

TJ - I think you've opened a whole new can of worms - traffic wardens and CLAMPERS!!!

My personal pet hate...

Or the perfect anti-clamper AND anti-thief (is there a difference?); get 4 clamps yourself and put them on when you park!!!

You may need to also invest in a small trailer and an extra 2/4 clamps for that, too!!! 

Tis a bit of a dose slapping a clamp on @ nite.. or having to remove it the next morning (in rain, hail, snow...). Best save up & get a gaff with a garage  

Or save loads and get a Skoda Estelle

rear engined, rear wheel drive... a Porsche for peanuts

I've a fairly simple solution - I ain't got a letterbox!

I use an american stylee fixed to the outside wall.

No keys for you thieving B******S

I know tis theft, and to be totally condemed, but on a certain level ya gotta tip the hats to the blokes who gained entry, and neutralized all the tracking systems etc.. if it was that cutting edge in terms of security. But surely you'd never be able to use the thing in public, Russia or not?!?

I think when you're dealing with this sort of scum then the only 2 things that will deter them and they are: 1. Extreme pain which can only be safely delivered by a large and savage dog or 2. Getting caught.  Chains padlocks and pilars are completely useless because they will just ask for the keys.

Shees!! Now I really feel quite at home !!!

Having survived 3 unsuccesful car-jackings,1 succesful one, a mugging and an armed robbery I feel I have the credentials to pass comment!

The one's that come into your house with a weapon, knowing you might have a tracker are'nt going to be satisfied with the keys downstairs. Lock a door between yourself and the rest of the house at night.Mobile next to the bed is the best burglar alarm with the emergency number on speed dial on button1.

Sensor lights that can be set for body weight at front, sides AND back of house is a great deterrent (the toilet window only needs to be open after your morning constitutional)

if you see a fishing rod poking around, DONT grab it!! it may be someone who has visited my country and has razor blades taped to it.

remember that fishing rods cant go around corners.

Rottweilers are great but show me a rottie(or any other breed) who does'nt like hamburger patties, and then show me where animal barbituates at the local vet are subject to pharmaceutical control.

In terms of opportunists,joy-riders etc, all you can do is make sure that your neighbours car is easier to steal than yours!

Other than that, I'm thinking of a business selling Machine-guns, searchlights and watchtowers.

In terms of protection away from home,sarf Effrica had a system of pepper sprays, activated by sms to a built in mobile phone or panic button that would spray pepper all around the car.

So all the criminals did was shoot you before you could activate it.

By now I'm sure we have all done 10 trips to the window to make sure our pride and joy is still there. 

Sleep well ppl.

PS: A friend was phoned by Tracker to say they had located his car and it was moving.

"Where??"

"we dont know but as it's doing about 300 miles per hour and crossing the border we assume it's in the hold of a cargo Plane," was the answer

PIR activated lights - B&Q @ liffey valley do a range that casue a plug in module in the house to chime (day and night) if the beam is broken. Handy on the side passage where you might not notice the light going on as they root thru your shed to take your tools to break into house. Fit a shed alarm so you know when they are trying to steal your tools

Most standard domestic alarm systems I've come across in Ireland rely solely on magnetic contacts - get some PIR's added to the downstairs zone of the system. We had three PIR's put in and system upgraded to take a monitoring signal for 200 yoyo's. Make sure the box at the side of the house with the phone connection is secure. Monitoring company should respond to loss of connection but who knows?

Cameras - preferably infra red so they can see in the dark, fitted under the eves of the house so out of worst of weather, connected to a remote pc with internet access, images are stored on a webserver so even if they locate and take the pc you've still got piccies of 'em - software can be set to different levels of sensitivity so next doors cat doesn't trigger a recording or alarm sound

Check the windows - were they designed for the glass to be replaced externally? Yup? Oh dear, a pallette knife and 15 mins I had every pane of glass out of the whole back of the house, took under a minute to get the kitchen one out - find out the material of construction UPVC etc. get an appropriate glue and fix em' in place. Yes it'll cost more to fix if next doors lad puts his ball through, but then how likely is that?

Use the key code on the OBC if your car is equipped with and have an extra immobilising feature added that only you are aware of.

Should've put my place up as a show house when I was done with it! Landlord freaked when I told her I'd drilled holes here & there for the extra security but paid for the work once I'd explained it all!!