Increased Car Theft at Work, What's The Best Way to Protect My Car One The Cheap?

mittymitt on 31/05/2019 - 10:06

I work inside a shopping centre and know of at least 3 cars that were stolen in the last 5 days, could be more. As a car owner myself I'm scared I could be next! I mostly work nights so my car sits in an almost empty carpark however it seems most cars are stolen between 12-5pm?

My car has keyless entry and push to start, what's the best way to protect it from being stolen? Already looked at GPS devices and they start around $200 and you have to pay a monthly fee so that's out of the question!

Thanks!

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 10:14
    +14

    steering wheel lock

    but, if you have theft protection on your insurance, you can sleep comfortably

    btw, what car do you drive?

    • mittymitt on 31/05/2019 - 10:28
      +33

      2017 Honda Civic, don't steal it! ;)

      • Ruckmauler on 03/06/2019 - 15:44
        +1

        ""Like in previous years, Honda has the undesirable reputation as America's most-stolen make of car. In 2017, the Honda Civic was the most targeted car in the U.S. with just over 45,000 reported stolen. The Honda Accord came a close second with over 43,700 thefts.""

    • brad1-8tsi on 31/05/2019 - 10:57
      +15

      I'd agree. a good visual deterent.

      Depending on how handy you are, you could tap into the fuel pump / ignition / engine circuit at the fuse box and add a fused hidden switch.

      Keep your keys in a closed tin can (faraday cage).

      Put in a complaint to Centre Management but stress the danger to you as a person and their duty of care if criminals are frequenting the car parks.

      My daughter was only telling me last week that she went out with a guy with a Nissan GTR that week and he removed the sterring wheel and took it into the restaurant with him.

      This might help
      https://www.safewise.com/blog/7-ways-avoid-getting-car-stole…

      • DazMon on 31/05/2019 - 11:46
        +1

        Very smart!

      • GoldenDragon888 on 31/05/2019 - 16:07
        +3

        Not a good detergent to a professional. https://youtu.be/NuytBrQXiw8

        • abuch47 on 31/05/2019 - 17:20
          +26

          Its OMO sensitive or its nothing.

        • stampella on 31/05/2019 - 18:36
          +2

          Well, yeah…most common locks are raked open in seconds.
          A few require different tools than the average rack and tension lever, but still seconds.
          An even smaller proportion are bothersome enough that bypassing them by cutting the steering wheel (or whatever mean of bypassing is available in the specific case) is actually faster, but most thieves go for this approach anyway because they are not there to show off their skills (if possessed) but to liberate you from your materialism as fast as possible.

          And even should it take longer and the thief should be spotted, the usual reaction from the average passerby is to look the other way and often not even call 000.

          As some sage person said on this same forum, "locks are there to keep the honest folks out" or something along this line.

      • DiscoJango on 31/05/2019 - 19:08
        +22

        id be more concerned daughter was dating a douche bag gtr owner

        • wordplay on 01/06/2019 - 07:47
          +13

          jealousy is a curse.

        • Salty Pretzel on 03/06/2019 - 20:15
          +1

          I'd be more concerned if my daughter was dating a judgemental douche bag

      • [Deactivated] on 01/06/2019 - 19:08
        +5

        Is your daughter dating Mr. Bean?

        See 1:20 https://youtu.be/eC4yDwOh-U8

        • xoom on 02/06/2019 - 09:44
          +2

          My first thought also.

    • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 12:50
      +2

      hate to say it as well, but it also doubles as a weapon if you ever need it in your car

      • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 12:51

        ;)

      • McFly on 02/06/2019 - 15:08
        +1

        Fellow Melbournian I see!

    • AussieDolphin on 01/06/2019 - 08:57
      +2

      Second this. I come from South Africa and almost everyone back home uses a steering wheel lock! You can buy one at Supercheap Auto for about $25.

    • spaceflight on 01/06/2019 - 22:26

      steering wheel lock

      They are very easy to remove

      https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fd2Op5VpUrg

  • dust on 31/05/2019 - 10:20

    Bikies?

    • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 12:17

      I thought bikies just worked with the cops theses days.
      Nobody's safe.

    • Neptunesblood on 02/06/2019 - 16:41

      Pathetic

  • rompastompa on 31/05/2019 - 10:21
    +10

    Increase your insured amount, and hope someone steals it ;)

    • Yamai on 01/06/2019 - 11:23
      +3

      Higher premium is NOT Oz bargain

  • Seraphin7 on 31/05/2019 - 10:24
    +14

    What's The Best Way to Protect My Car? A good agreed value comprehensive insurance policy.

    • KBZ on 31/05/2019 - 13:11
      +6

      That's too practical; how is OP gonna post on OzB.

  • Fergy1987 on 31/05/2019 - 10:24
    +3

    Buy a bicycle and ride to work.

    • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 10:26
      +41

      next post by op "increased bike theft at work. What's the best way to protect my bike"

      • Fergy1987 on 31/05/2019 - 10:30
        +6

        skateboard

        • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 10:40
          +11

          next post by op "increased skateboard theft at work. What's the best way to protect my skateboard"

          • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 10:44
            +2

            @87percent: Walk to work?

            • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 10:46
              +11

              @[Deactivated]: eventually it'll get to that

              and then op will post "help, got mugged, what self defence can i learn"

              • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 10:46
                +3

                @87percent: What if OP has nothing to be mugged, ie naked man.

                • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 10:58
                  +7

                  @[Deactivated]: he's got bigger (or smaller?) things to worry about if he's walking around naked

                  • Fergy1987 on 31/05/2019 - 11:27
                    +12

                    @87percent: I think at the end of the day. The solution is quit your job :P

                    • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 11:53
                      +1

                      @Fergy1987: Or work at home

                    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2019 - 11:39

                      @Fergy1987: The conclusion I draw from this discussion is that you either destroy or be destroyed- there is no middle way! Let us then be the destroyers!

                      Start stealing cars, bikes, skateboards, prosthetic legs…etc Just grabbed anything you see. Keep us updated on how this strategy works out for you :b

                • dcep on 31/05/2019 - 14:22
                  +4

                  @[Deactivated]: then op will post "help, walk naked to work, got poked from behind"

                  • AdosHouse on 31/05/2019 - 14:59
                    +2

                    @dcep: Better than "help, walked naked to work, accidentally ran into someone, getting arrested for sexual harassment".

                  • Blitzfx on 31/05/2019 - 20:04
                    +1

                    @dcep: should have said "help, my anal virginity got stolen"

            • ireadtermsofuse on 01/06/2019 - 09:22

              @[Deactivated]: Increased legs theft at work. What’s the best way to protect my prosthetics?

  • thatonethere on 31/05/2019 - 10:26
    +5

    Just get a professionally made sticker at put it on the driver side window saying 24x7 real time GPS tracking enabled.

    • Cheeper on 31/05/2019 - 12:00

      First thing they do is rip out the gps.

      • JimmyF on 31/05/2019 - 12:39

        Correct, best NOT to install the stickers for this reason :)

      • Toons on 31/05/2019 - 13:16

        If they went to all that trouble to find a non existent GPS and they are so desperate to take a chance on a car like this, (firstly no disrespect purely based on if it was a high yield investment opportunity) OP gets a new car rather than a thrashed out car with some cosmetic repairs, like many people do.

        Add a subtly placed blinking LED for extra effect.

        They are stupid but they also need to keep out of jail so they look for the ones that are less hassle

      • crentist on 31/05/2019 - 13:30

        A gps unit could be hidden almost anywhere in a car. It wouldn't be that difficult to stick one in any part of the car. Inside the dash, under the spare tyre, in door panels/seats/engine bay etc etc

        If they believe the sticker, they'd have to rip up the entire car looking for something non-existent.

        • eug on 31/05/2019 - 13:33
          +1

          It wouldn't be that difficult to stick one in any part of the car. Inside the dash, under the spare tyre, in door panels/seats/engine bay etc etc

          You'd want a good view of the sky, unobstructed by metal, for the best reception.

          A thief wouldn't bother looking for a ripping out a GPS tracker. They'd just plug this into the cigarette lighter socket.

          • crentist on 31/05/2019 - 13:35

            @eug: Well shit. I guess you could pop the lighter fuse so that won't work, but they might just use a battery powered one instead

          • dumvamp on 31/05/2019 - 19:57

            @eug: That's awesome, too bad I removed the cigarette lighters from the car. Lol.

            • eug on 31/05/2019 - 23:05

              @dumvamp:

              That's awesome, too bad I removed the cigarette lighters from the car. Lol.

              This guy thought so too. Till he got caught. :)

              • dumvamp on 02/06/2019 - 20:21

                @eug: That's hilarious, but sorry I meant they couldn't just plug a jammer into my car as I yanked out all the lighters. I don't smoke so I pulled them all out and blocked them off.

  • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 10:26

    but seriously, centre management should be the ones you need to speak to.

    • Cheeper on 31/05/2019 - 12:01
      +1

      Not their problem. Nothing they can do.

      • 87percent on 31/05/2019 - 12:13

        if cars are getting stolen from their parking lot, and not providing a safe place, who's job is it then?

      • brad1-8tsi on 31/05/2019 - 12:32
        +7

        It is their problem.
        Under the WHS Act & Regulation it's a PCBU's responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for employess, visitors and the public. Having criminals stealing cars and the risks associated with these people being on their property need to be controlled.

        • whooah1979 on 02/06/2019 - 10:08
          -1

          The PCBU is legally required to take reasonably practicable steps to minimise harm to their workers and the public. They're not required to do the work of the police or a law enforcement officer.

          • brad1-8tsi on 18/06/2019 - 08:44

            @whooah1979: True but reasonable steps would include better lighting, security cameras, increased security patrols, notifying the police and asking them to increase their visibility in the area.

            When you are aware of a risk to employees, clients, visitors or the the general public on your property you can't just sit on your hands and abrogate responsibility.

  • Skramit on 31/05/2019 - 10:35

    Don't buy a car with keyless entry. Easy to spoof without even having your key. Plenty of videos on YouTube demonstrating it.

    • eug on 31/05/2019 - 11:15
      +1

      None of those methods would work in a shopping center… unless maybe the OP is being stalked at work by one of the thieves.

      • Skramit on 31/05/2019 - 11:40

        The one where the theives have a device near you, detecting your wireless key code then re transmitting it out to the carpark ….work.

        Keyless is a luxury (and I personally love it) but makes life easy for theives with the right tools to steal a car.

        • eug on 31/05/2019 - 12:08
          +4

          The one where the theives have a device near you, detecting your wireless key code then re transmitting it out to the carpark ….work.

          As I said, the thief would have to be near the OP for that to work. They'd have to be stalking him from when he parks his car, follow him into the shopping center, and unlock and start the car hopefully while the receiver is still within range of the transmitter near the car.

          • mskeggs on 31/05/2019 - 12:15

            @eug: But it is a Honda Civic, thieves number one target!

            • xoom on 02/06/2019 - 09:48

              @mskeggs: It's the vtec yo. It kicks in.

        • Euphemistic on 31/05/2019 - 12:13
          +2

          No different to a key, they are easy to beat too. It’s just a different set of tools required.

          When it comes down to it I’m going with the convenience of keyless.

          • Skramit on 31/05/2019 - 12:32

            @Euphemistic: I agree. I'm happy with the risk. I was just pointing out the ease of replicating a key for OP who is clearly stressing :P

  • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 10:43
    +3

    Insurance.

    Highest agreed value.

    If it gets stolen, hope it gets burnt. New car.

    • brendanm on 31/05/2019 - 10:49
      +9

      This.

      Your car won't be being stolen anyway, it's too new to be stolen by opportunistic thieves (immobiliser built in to ecu etc), and not rare or desirable so won't be stolen by very clued up professionals.

      • Sneeze on 02/06/2019 - 09:57
        +1

        OP, one of these two scenario's has happened with all of those thefts you have heard about.

        The theif has found an opportunity to steal car keys from someone inside in the center and has walked the car park pushing the remote until they found the car.

        Or, the car was an older model with no immobilizer. They target older vehicles which they are familiar with which have worn or poor locks which can either be turned with any key or spun easily with a flat head screw driver. Ignition is the same, force the barrel or access ignition wires if there's not much plastic surrounding the steering column.

        Your 2017 Honda is safe. The worst that will happen to it is someone keys it or smashes a window to take something you left visible inside that they think might have some value.

    • Davo1111 on 31/05/2019 - 12:54

      Best answer on the thread

    • tryagain on 31/05/2019 - 13:14

      I have ended up with an agreed value worth more than double of the resale, I have gone to now hoping it gets stolen, or that it gets hit with a wild hail storm. It's been a few years though now and no such luck yet!

      • AdosHouse on 31/05/2019 - 15:03

        Have you tried joining some storm chasers?

        • tryagain on 31/05/2019 - 16:20

          No, I certainly don't go out an cover it with blankets though. I have heard of people who received hail damage being pretty heavily questioned as to what they were doing there then, I don't know if storm chasing would be a good answer! Given the high insured amount I suspect any claim would be gone over with a fine tooth comb

      • Never Pay RRP on 01/06/2019 - 11:17
        +1

        You should try parking in the OP's carpark :P

  • DazMon on 31/05/2019 - 11:48
    +3

    Be nice if a few more knowledgeable people would answer the 'what's the best way to protect it from being stolen?' bit…

  • k-rokfm on 31/05/2019 - 11:50
    +2

    Buy a wheel clamp
    https://www.autobarn.com.au/streetwize-wheel-lock-swwl02

    • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 12:25

      I use a big ugly lock and chain between steering wheel and pedals on my diesel truck. There's no immobiliser or easy fuel or electrical cut-off options.
      Wheel clamp is less convenient, but good if strong. You can make your own.

      • spaceflight on 01/06/2019 - 22:30
        +2

        Cutting the steering wheel takes less than 30 seconds, then the chain is removed.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2019 - 17:19

      too complicated, unless your worried about thieves towing the car away. Even then they could just winch it onto a flat top tow truck with the clamp on.

      A steering wheel lock is more convenient.

      https://www.autobarn.com.au/prolock-lock-steering-wheel-ac17…

  • npc on 31/05/2019 - 11:57
    +1

    First of all - it is very easy to steal a car with keyless ignition, by following you with RF signal repeater. Insurance is the best way to manage the consequences.

    If you want to minimize the risk then consider putting your key in RF proof wallet, but you'll sacrifice the convenience of keyless entry then.
    Some keys can be switched to sleep mode -this will temporarily disable it's wireless functions.

    Alternative/old school ways of stealing cars are too complex these days, and Civic is not worth it. Opportunistic way of stealing modern cars is pretty much impossible.

    • abb on 31/05/2019 - 16:12
      +4

      You've gotta figure out who owns the car in a shopping centre car park… While walking around with an RF relay system and an accomplice in the car park.
      We have different definitions of "very easy".

  • Cheeper on 31/05/2019 - 12:03
    +17

    Next car buy a manual. Very few people can drive them these days. LOL
    Seriously… a steering lock would be the only true deterrent you could use and the pros would know how to get them off in a flash too I suppose.

  • Helmuth on 31/05/2019 - 12:27
    +4

    Easiest way to keep it from being stolen? Kick in all the door panels and fit a mismatched colour bonnet lid. Then you can leave the doors unlocked and the windows down - no one will want to steal it.

  • Ugly on 31/05/2019 - 12:46
    +1

    It won't stop it being stolen, but consider putting a bluetooth tracker (Tile / Chipolo) in the car.
    If the car goes missing, you can activate the tracker in "Lost mode". If anyone with the app gets within range it will ping you with a location.
    Not quite as good as a GPS tracker, but much cheaper & with no ongoing costs.

    • crentist on 31/05/2019 - 13:33

      You could probably grab a few old mobiles and DIY something similar without too much trouble. Set up a hotspot from a very hidden part of the car, then a few mobiles all set to turn on and automatically connect and update their location on waze or google location history or something

      • spaceflight on 01/06/2019 - 22:34

        All you need is one phone with a sim card.

        Then you just track the phone.

  • Broke-Ken on 31/05/2019 - 12:52
    1. Get an RFID blocking pouch to put your keyfob in when away from the car. Thieves are using signal amplifiers/repeaters to steal these new keyless cars
    2. Find out where the security cameras are pointing and park in view of them. The stories I've heard with recent car thefts, the cars happen to park in a black spots where there were no camera over looking the area.
  • Toons on 31/05/2019 - 12:52
    +6

    Trunk monkey!!

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