I've lived in AZ since I was 6, been involved with cars since about 14, and been in the Honda scene since 16. Hondas are the #1 stolen car, and it's BAD here in AZ. I've also worked as an alarm installer. If they want your car, they WILL take it.
I had a car stolen while the head was off of it and it was boxed in with 3 other cars.
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Originally Posted by kenchan
if they wanted to really steal your car, they will flat bed it infront of everyone. that way it doesn't look suspicious at all.
most popular stolen cars are older cars used for parts. newer cars are stolen more by joyriders...and it will be more difficult with immobilizer. they will steal it if they really wanted it and just flat bed it. it only takes a few minutes.
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A guy I know had his modded Civic stolen from the emergency room parking lot. They even had fake repo paperwork to show hospital security.
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Originally Posted by DEpointfive0
From my understanding to speaking to service techs, my guy at corporate and my local installer... It's VERY difficult, BUT the way they DO get stolen is by someone who can reprogram a car ECU... They get an ECU, program it with YOUR VIN#, but THEIR key unlock... Then the guy breaks in, swaps the ECU's and bam, their keys work now...
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This is possible for sure, and very easy for anyone that has access to ECU programming capabilities. Just about any tech at a dealership can do this
afaik.
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Originally Posted by TypeOne
I imagine it would be pretty hard to steal the car, unless you had access to a tow truck. Even at that point, it would only be good for parts.
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Most newer cars that are stolen are either joyrides OR shipped out of the USA. There's several countries around the world that require VERY little paperwork for cars, so once it's out of the US it's not hard to register. Eastern Europe, Middle East, Central/South America, etc.
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Originally Posted by gpolak
Maybe true, but still a tiny price to pay to eliminate the amateurs out of the equation.
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One of the 1st things I learned in Brakes, Steering, and Suspension class in my Auto Tech program was how to defeat wheel locks. Even an amateur thief knows how. Now that companies are offering quiet electric impacts for like $129 it's even easier.
Wheel locks are really good for making your wheels harder to get than the next guys, but I wouldn't say they're going to stop or even deter a really determined thief.
Here's what I recommend for every auto enthusiast:
- Directed Electronics aka DEI (Makers of Viper, Hornet and other nice alarms) 2 way paging system
- Backup battery
- Tilt sensor. Triggers alarm if your car is jacked up. Good way to know if someone is trying to tow your car or steal your wheels.
- Radar sensor REQUIRED for roadsters/convertibles. Reduces chance of thief slashing your top to gain entry. Optional for hardtop/coupe/sedan. Good measure to prevent keying.
- STAY AWAY FROM BIG BOX STORES!! Do you really think that the kid making $9/hr at Best Buy or Audio Express isn't going to be tempted to program a remote to your alarm, and write your address down from the work ticket? I've personally seen the shop managers at more than one place do this. It's a great scam for them. They get paid to install your stereo and alarm, they come steal it and sell it, then you come back with your insurance check and they get paid to install new stuff. Go somewhere with installers that take pride in their work or install it yourself. I'd also suggest putting down the wrong address on any forms.