Reader questions and feedback on security issues. Also refer to guards, locks, alarms, burglars, vandals, terrorists, police, biometric, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Security:
Automobile
The following 4 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- What is the definition of automobile security?
- Wants device similar to Club
- Wants to catch thief
- Alarmed car stolen
What is the definition of automobile security?
Question
March 3, 2009
please can you help me with the definition of automobile security and the history on automobile security.
michael - Ghana
17367
Answer
Any sort of devices or precautions you take to avoid theft of your car can be defined as automobile security.
Probably after automobiles became popular, around the 1900s, people started stealing them and automobile security was necessary.
Wants device similar to Club
Question
February 28, 2004
Several months ago on an infomersial I saw a new car security product which I have not seen since. The product for sale was simalar to "The Club" only it fit under the gas pedal and up through the steering wheel. Can you please tell me the name of this device and where I could purchase such a tool.
-
2547
Answer
I don't know the name of the device, but I've seen them in auto parts stores, where they also sell the Club. I think the Club is less expensive, but they are both a good idea to discourage thieves.
Wants to catch thief
Question
October 23, 2003
Our car has been broken into twice this year. We are so mad about it we want to catch this guy or girl so that we can press charges against him or at least get him in trouble for something else. What can I do to catch this guy on a budget. I was thinking of leaving a signed check in our car and then calling all of the businesses that cash checks and telling them to call the police if someone attempts to cash this check. There has to be more than just sitting this out on the sidelines thanks.
Benjamin -
945
Answer
Most likely, the guy lives within 2 miles of your place. He may even be a neighbor. Have you reported the break-ins to the police? They may have a record of similar robberies in the area and be on the outlook for the crook.
That is a clever idea about the check. But I would talk to the police about it first to see if there was a way to actually catch the guy cashing it.
But a problem with catching the crook is often they simply let the guy off with a slap on the wrist. Although you can try to help catch him, your big concern should be to protect your car from being broken into. One philosophy I have is to never leave anything in sight in your car. Even an old basketball in the back seat is an excuse to break in. Another solution is an inexpensive car alarm that will beep the horn if someone enters without pushing a secret button within a short time. That won't stop a professional car thief, but it could discourage this punk from bothering with your car.
Best wishes in stopping this thief and perhaps even catching him.
Alarmed car stolen
Question
August 9, 2003
my car was stolen, SAAB 93-'98 MODEL, the car was alarmed and the doors were locked. How was this possible as i was told this type of car could not be stolen without the key.
gavin -
155
Answer
You would think that would be enough to prevent theft.
It might be possible for someone who knew what he was doing to use a Slim-Jim to open the door, then open the hood, disconnect the alarm and hot-wire the car to get it started. But that is unlikely.
More likely is that the person who stole the car had a key that would fit.
Some auto thieves have a ring of keys from a desired make. Then they just try them until they find one that fits. Odds of a duplicate key are surprisingly high.
Another possibility is that someone had made a duplicate of your key when you had your car serviced or you gave your key to someone like a parking valet.
If you have a car that is desirable, it is not a bad idea to add something else to discourage theft. Locking a "Club" on the steering wheel is a good added discouragement.
Hope you get your car back.
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