Car Keeps Getting Broken into - What Do?

Lihgjuk on 06/11/2020 - 13:35
Last edited 06/11/2020 - 14:46 by 1 other user

I park my car on the street outside my house, and over the last month, it has been broken into three times. Its a 2013 Renault, no alarm. It's happened to some of my neighbours as well.

The contents of the glovebox and centre console are rifled through, but there's nothing of value in the car only some old receipts, eneloops, and used tissues, hand san and a couple of pens - nothing to steal!

There's no damage to the car, and there doesn't appear to have been any attempt to steal the car itself. I have no idea what the thieves could be looking for or how they get into the car.

I'm looking for a cost effective way to deter the thieves. A blinking red light on the dash? A fake camera outside of my house? What creative solutions does the OzBargain hive mind have?

Automotive

Comments

    • ihgjuk on 06/11/2020 - 17:01
      +19

      username checks out

  • pharkurnell on 06/11/2020 - 17:06
    +4

    Fit a car alarm?

    Does it happen on the same night??? All of you sit out and wait…

  • suti on 06/11/2020 - 17:32
    +1

    is this nick kyrgios?

  • mskeggs on 06/11/2020 - 17:45
    -2

    Smear dog poo all over?

  • Bourb on 06/11/2020 - 17:48

    If it's parked just outside your house, then fit a cheap motion detector alarm. Thieves don't like noise.

  • prinsenhof on 06/11/2020 - 17:56
    +6

    Just tie some condoms full of mayonnaise around your door handles. Might look a bit strange when you park at the shopping centre though.

    • Devils Advocate on 06/11/2020 - 18:31
      +6

      I love how you used the work "just", as if that's a completely normal thing that you've done yourself many times.

      • prinsenhof on 06/11/2020 - 19:34

        outside of hotels, its the closest thing you can get to a do-not-disturb sign. Just expect some colourful conversations with your neighbours after a few days.

    • Naigrabzo on 09/11/2020 - 11:11

      Use the real thing though. Mayonnase is just gross.

  • Cletus vandamme on 06/11/2020 - 18:46
    +14

    Plot twist OP sleep walks and "breaks" into his own car.

  • bongom on 06/11/2020 - 18:52
    +1

    Maybe something similar to Mark Rober's Glitter Bomb Trap?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo

  • Menzoberranzan on 06/11/2020 - 18:57
    +4

    Fill some condoms with moisturiser and leave them strewn around the car in visible sight. See if that helps

  • OzzyOzbourne on 06/11/2020 - 19:31

    Fit a Magnavolt, it won't even flatten your battery

  • Herbse on 06/11/2020 - 19:31
    +5

    I'd be asking how they're getting in. With no damage and a fairly new car, they would need a copied remote signal which is an expensive device just to use for bum change, or a copy of the key which suggests someone close to you.

    • ihgjuk on 06/11/2020 - 21:58
      +1

      This is the big question. It's super common in my neighbourhood (inner west sydney) and no one has come up a good explanation of how they are so easily breaking into modern cars.

  • baskinghobo on 06/11/2020 - 19:32
    -1

    Cover your car with tarmac? The thieve may not want to draw attention and pick another target. Or leave a note saying you are aware of their multiple break-ins as they may think nobody knows.

  • Quantumcat on 06/11/2020 - 20:13
    +6

    I wonder if you can disable the central locking remote temporarily, and just use the physical key? If nobody breaks in for a while then someone copied your remote.

    • capslock janitor on 07/11/2020 - 00:29

      good

    • 811b11e8 on 09/11/2020 - 14:26

      Most of the time they shove a screwdriver in the lock and force it open.

      Most people don't even notice the damage as the keyholes are never used if the remote works.

  • dannyeei on 06/11/2020 - 20:23
    +22

    TLDR: Leave your car keys in the fridge

    They're most likely getting in with a signal extender if your car has keyless entry.
    One way keyless entry can work is always transmitting a small signal so that when you're next to the car it picks up on the signal and opens. A signal extender next to your car can amplify the signals from your key and effectively just open the car.
    You need to put your keys in a Faraday cage to solve the problem, one you already have in your house is a fridge.

    • silverrat23 on 07/11/2020 - 08:27
      +5

      OP, you should actually try this. I'm genuinely curious if this works for you.

    • cybapete on 08/11/2020 - 16:34
      +1

      it's also possible they waited outside for op to use keyless entry and copied the unlock signal

      • dannyeei on 09/11/2020 - 11:53
        +1

        Back in the day that was possible but that vulnerability shouldn't work on any car newer than about 2005. The "replay attack" doesn't work anymore, newer systems use things like alternating keys and challenge response protocols.

  • Maglia Nera on 06/11/2020 - 21:33

    Put a sign on the car Bait Bus Vehicle

  • digitalbath on 06/11/2020 - 22:15

    Move house

    • funnysht on 06/11/2020 - 22:40

      easier to move the car though

      • capslock janitor on 07/11/2020 - 00:31

        park the car at a different street. lmao

  • JetBombat on 06/11/2020 - 22:25
    +1

    Do you use a key or a remote to unlock? If latter, reset your remote in a place far from home where no one is around and use only key entry in case they intercept the signal during the unlock.

  • Willco88 on 06/11/2020 - 22:28

    Do not leave ANYTHING of value in view at all, not even coins!

    Get an alarm

  • jackinyourbox on 06/11/2020 - 22:44

    Have you considered wiping boogers on the door handles and leaving the glove box open ?

  • funnysht on 06/11/2020 - 22:44
    +6

    Place a map of the simpson desert with a random 'X' marked on it in the glove compartmet and a print out of the latest gold prices.

    …they'll be gone for a few weeks at best

  • Maxxiz on 06/11/2020 - 23:02
    +2

    The most obvious would be CCTV of some variety, ideally overt.
    Secondly I'd get a basic, loud car alarm. At least that way you'll know it's happening and they aren't going to stick around.

  • ShannonN on 07/11/2020 - 00:45

    if you have a dashcam with parking mode etc. at night turn the camera lens towards the interior no one will notice and you'll catch them

  • MagicOZ on 07/11/2020 - 00:52

    Leave human size doll in the driver seat.

    • Willco88 on 07/11/2020 - 00:55

      Blow up doll

  • reactor-au on 07/11/2020 - 07:50
    +5

    Leave some milk and cookies, everyone deserves a midnight snack

    • popsiee on 09/11/2020 - 08:10

      and also OP should leave a few coins and not be so TA :)

  • ozy on 07/11/2020 - 08:43

    Install an alarm
    Put Carolina reaper oil on the door handles
    If the car isn’t too far away from the house a wifi smart door/window open detector and a smart speaker in the house to notify you if someone opens the door..

  • mikzter on 07/11/2020 - 09:04
    +2

    If I park in a public area like a shopping centre etc I always use the physical key to lock the car and never the remote. I know there are cheap devices out there that scan for remote signals and can relay them back to unlock a vehicle. Of course, I do drive a Peugeot so little chance of someone stealing it :)

  • this is us on 07/11/2020 - 09:10
    +2

    Just write a small but visible note like "there is nothing here… It's a (profanity) Renault for God's sake!" and hope they can understand that…

  • TheOtherLeft on 07/11/2020 - 09:31

    Put a pair of old scungy undies in the front seat.

  • Orico on 07/11/2020 - 09:46

    Which suburb do you live in and post code? I want to avoid your area because my car belongs on the street. Fk opening the garage door every day.

    • earth worm jim on 07/11/2020 - 11:00

      What do you think about when someone mentions high crime rate and exorbitant property prices : Sydney.
      Narrowed down the city for you.

      • Orico on 07/11/2020 - 14:51
        +3

        Sydney is okay. The post codes are the problem./

  • snooksy on 07/11/2020 - 10:09

    Thieves are looking for items they can easily sell for drug money. It sounds like you live near a CBD area. Park your car off the street, install a flashing red light or move to an area with less crime. Even if you open the glove box the thieves might still want to check the boot for items. I parked my car one night in a city street and I came back to all my worthless crap that was in my car thrown in the gutter - hair brush, tissues etc. Leaving a note saying nothing of value won’t stop them. They will still want to check themselves. Get off street parking or move out of the area.

  • OzHunterNSW on 07/11/2020 - 10:24
    -4

    What do you mean contents of the glove box????? You take EVERYTHING out.
    You do not have anything in the vehicle - except…. a RAT TRAP set in the glove box.

    I bet you have a lap top sitting on the back seat….. get smart… wise up.

    Get a STEERING LOCK….. repeat… get a STEERING LOCK.
    Take EVERYTHING out of the vehicle…. EVERYTHING

  • nswnotill on 07/11/2020 - 10:26

    Perhaps park your car a distance away in a more secure area. Then ride a pushbike from your home to the car park and drive off. A folding pushbike may be an option.

  • earth worm jim on 07/11/2020 - 11:02

    You just need a good car alarm system installed.

  • monkeyfood on 07/11/2020 - 12:07

    A druggie high on meth will probably get more angry when pinched by a mouse trap. A typical emotional response could be to smash a few windows or kick in a panel

  • crashloaded on 07/11/2020 - 12:42

    Alarm is your only choice in this situation unfortunately.

  • UFO on 07/11/2020 - 13:40
    +1

    Place used masks, gloves, and a "COVID-19 Symptoms Check List" in the car. Over the dash, hanging over the steering wheel, on the seats etc.
    And a nice bright yellow bio-hazards bin on the center console as well.

    If they look in the window and still want to go in, good luck to them!

    • nickj on 07/11/2020 - 15:08

      Also when you do a covid test in inner west Sydney they now give you about 3 bits of bits of paper about how to check your results, symptoms to watch for, and having to isolate until you get your result. So either do a test (and isolate for a few days), or get them from someone else that has done it, and scatter those amongst the other props. Assuming the thief can read, that should add to the deterrence.

  • fozzie on 07/11/2020 - 14:22

    Might be an ozbargainer going after the “eneloops”

  • RSmith on 07/11/2020 - 16:36

    What if the thieves have covid? Hope you are sanitizing your car before sitting in it.

  • foto256 on 07/11/2020 - 16:37

    See Mark Rober - Glitter Bomb. Leave it on the front seat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo&vl=en

  • Cave Fire on 07/11/2020 - 16:39

    Maybe they are taking petrol out of the cars? Hard to detect as you think your car just used extra on the last trip.

  • JungliChilli on 07/11/2020 - 16:42
    +1

    They didn't steal the eneloops?!?!

    • Twodogs on 07/11/2020 - 22:19
      +1

      haha thats what i thought …… nothing of value ? you have loopys

  • Bontai on 07/11/2020 - 17:05
    +2

    Set a hunting cam and ID the grub. I’m guessing the same individual is targeting cars in your street.

    Also park your car in the most lit up spot on the street and make it less desirable to hit eg maybe cover it at night and put off opportunist crooks.

    • capslock janitor on 08/11/2020 - 12:31

      how to best cover?

    • Franc-T on 09/11/2020 - 14:43

      If its regular it will most likely some local druggie.

  • tinyorca on 07/11/2020 - 17:09

    Padlock?

  • Jalif on 07/11/2020 - 17:20
    +1

    Take everything out of the centre console and glove box and leave them open.

    Or park in the garage.

    Because you bought a Renault in Australia, people are assuming you have more money than normal, and poor judgement.

    The idea is you are more likely to leave things like phones and wallets in your car.

    Making it obvious the car is empty is your best option.

  • jcsantos on 07/11/2020 - 17:42

    Your car is cursed get a new one

  • one2three on 07/11/2020 - 19:19

    Put a car cover on your car to make it a hassle for them to get past the cover maybe?

  • Twodogs on 07/11/2020 - 22:18

    Pit bull back seat win

  • FittyFitty on 08/11/2020 - 01:35

    Yeah, had the same thing happen to my 2006 Jetta last week; was glad there was no damage done…

  • TerryJustTerry on 08/11/2020 - 02:59

    I'm sorry where are the free eneloo…. ahh I mean your car located ?

  • hypie on 08/11/2020 - 08:04

    Glitter bomb… there is no other way.

  • lunartemis on 08/11/2020 - 09:37

    The thief must not be an ozbargainer as he/she left your eneloop batteries untouched. Is it actually safe to leave battery in your car especially with summer approaching??

  • azitiz on 08/11/2020 - 10:32
    +5
    1. Frequent local butcher.
    2. Purchase sheep eyes with optic nerve still attached.
    3. Place sheep eyes in glove box, maintaining slight crossed eyed position.
    4. ????
    5. Post result.
    • Windows7forever on 09/11/2020 - 21:33

      All that blood and gore smell of rotting meat will devalue the car. You will never get the awful stench out.

  • capslock janitor on 08/11/2020 - 12:33

    Hey OP - How Do?

  • djmm on 08/11/2020 - 16:54

    There is only one thing to do in this situation,which is

  • Matt P on 08/11/2020 - 20:08
    +1

    Wire a piezo screamer to your interior light.

    Might be an epic pain in the ass every time you use your car though haha

    edit: better still - does your glovebox have a light? Wire it to that.

  • Munki on 08/11/2020 - 20:58

    Have you checked that people aren't using your car for dogging? I'd probably give that car a scan of the good ol' UV light.

  • pull the lever on 08/11/2020 - 23:00

    Must not be OzBargain users else “free Eneloops” would have been featured here…

  • Saars on 09/11/2020 - 02:27
    +1

    So lots of people are suggesting booby-trapping the car in some way

    You probably know this already but this is a horrible idea no matter how tempting it is

    If they get hurt in any way as a result of your actions you become liable and can be charged

    I hope you find a workable solution… a super load alarm is probably the best option and you could make a cheap one yourself with an Arduino

    • HelpMeiCantSee on 09/11/2020 - 08:41

      Yeah, but you know cars can malfunction resulting in undesirable outcomes. Not our fault if some junkie cops a zap from a faulty ignition coil. I was going to have it fixed ASAP, honest!

    • 91rs on 09/11/2020 - 10:32
      -1

      Let them explain to the police how they got hurt, "well I was just casually breaking in to this car like I do every other week and then this time X happened and I want you to charge the owner"

  • mrhanky71 on 09/11/2020 - 09:26

    put up some fake cameras or install an alarm?

  • mrvaluepack on 09/11/2020 - 11:38
    +1

    3 times in one month??? Mind sharing your postcode OP? Will look to avoid visiting and investing in any homes in that area.

  • AustriaBargain on 09/11/2020 - 16:20

    Buy a fake dog that has a motor in it that looks like it is breathing. And install a sensor that activates growling sounds and turns the light on for one second when someone touches the car. Just cover it up in the day or someone will break the window thinking you're being cruel to a dog. Look up propmasters in your city, they should be able to hook you up with an animationics company somewhere in Australia.

    • GG57 on 09/11/2020 - 16:26

      It is a 2013 Renault

      • AustriaBargain on 09/11/2020 - 16:28

        You may want to also pay for the dogs lips to retract and show the teeth when it growls then, if you have a lot of sentimental value towards this specific car.

  • joelmuzz on 09/11/2020 - 16:34

    Start with the basics. Leave nothing in the car and glovebox open. Add sign on dash/window saying "no valuables in car".
    They should see it's not worth the effort, but never guaranteed with addict logic.

    Not much more you can do, if you make a trap that will only make them retaliate by costing you money in repairs.
    Cops won't care about cameras, if they cared they would bait such an easy target.

    But ensure a formal crime report is lodged to police every time. That statistic is the one thing they do care about, they will try to discourage or fake it to keep it out of the stats. When the stat becomes a problem to their performance metrics they will round the offender up.

  • MementoMori on 09/11/2020 - 16:56

    How do you know they are breaking in?

  • smartazz104 on 09/11/2020 - 17:01

    Maybe the thief is using this trick: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3441964/How-break-c…

  • geosta on 09/11/2020 - 22:33

    Can't be bothered reading all the posts, has anyone suggested glitter bomb?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo

  • [Deactivated] on 10/11/2020 - 06:59

    Smear the car with something horrible, and clean it up when your about to go out.

  • centrelink on 10/11/2020 - 11:59

    Rigg the car so when there is an intruder in the car, it will lock the car shut tight and then it drives itself to the police station. Once it reaches its destination, automatically honk it non stop until the police comes oht

  • Pelicannn on 20/11/2020 - 18:54
    +1

    Cut some wires from an old extension lead, attach to the car door and run the lead back to mains power. Turn on power at night.

    They probably won’t touch it twice.

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