Friends car stolen but how?

[allegoricus]

I would think all security devices are beatable, it's just about slowing thieves down so they'll not bother or go elsewhere.

That's never in doubt, but I did read recently that aftermarket steering wheel locks are so ineffective as to be metaphorically brushed aside.
We had a car (Ford) stolen twenty years ago that had a factory-fit mechanical steering lock (operated by the ignition key) and that seemed to have yielded to nothing more than a sharp turn of the wheel.

 

[reason42]

That's never in doubt, but I did read recently that aftermarket steering wheel locks are so ineffective as to be metaphorically brushed aside.
We had a car (Ford) stolen twenty years ago that had a factory-fit mechanical steering lock (operated by the ignition key) and that seemed to have yielded to nothing more than a sharp turn of the wheel.

I think there is some mix up of terms here.

The steering lock referred to earlier in this thread is of the type that fits on top of the steering wheel as such...

 

[Dizwen]

Surely tracker is the answer for expensive premium cars, close to 100% success (return) rate claimed.

oh dear...

Top Vehicle Anti Tracker GPS Jammer Blocker | eBay

same device was on Amazon yesterday, link on pistonheads. Funny but the amazon page seems to have disappeared...

 

[allegoricus]

I think there is some mix up of terms here.

The steering lock referred to earlier in this thread is of the type that fits on top of the steering wheel as such...

No, I was talking about one, then went on to talk about the other. Looking back, though, I could have made the jump clearer.

 

[SeeSixty3]

The only preventative measure other than the obvious ones is to either:

1) Sell your car - thus eradicating the potential for your pride and joy to be pilfered

2) Sleep in your car every night as a deterrent

3) Block the car in everynight with another one.

 

[allegoricus]

The only preventative measure other than the obvious ones is to either:

1) Sell your car - thus eradicating the potential for your pride and joy to be pilfered

2) Sleep in your car every night as a deterrent

3) Block the car in everynight with another one.

Somebody has to suggest the bleed'n obvious re. number 3 ... so I'll do it. ;-)

 

[Bosco]

Personally I prefer a good noisy watchdog. CCTV is no deterrent to these thugs and it rarely aids prosecution later as they are almost always unidentifiable.

 

[reason42]

On Watchdog now!

 

[reason42]

Ok so BMW now say they will correct this issue for all affected models. Concerned owners should call BMW Customer Services on 0800 083 4397. They said they will correct this free of charge! Spread the word!

 

[reason42]

You can watch the BBC Watchdog article.

BBC One - Watchdog, Series 30, Episode 1

 

[artyman]

So will the criminal fraternity move on the Mercs or Audis now, I think they said all modern electronic systems have vunerabilities. Perhaps time to buy a wheel clamp.