| Layer 1 - Common
Sense
Ignition Keys
If removed from the
ignition after every use, ordinary ignition keys can
significantly reduce the likelihood of theft.
| Cost: |
Standard in all
models |
| Benefits: |
Easy to use |
Door Locks/Closed Windows
Door locks, the original
anti-theft device, and closed windows effectively
limit access to the vehicle’s interior.
| Cost: |
Standard in all
models |
| Benefits: |
Prevents easy access |
Park in a Well-Lit Area
Parking in a well-lit
area discourages thieves from approaching a vehicle
because of visibility.
| Cost: |
None |
| Benefits: |
Prevents easy access |
Layer 2 – Warning
Devices
Steering Wheel/Brake
Pedal Lock
Prevents depression
of the brake pedal.
| Cost: |
$15 - $80 |
| Benefits: |
Excellent visible deterrent |
Wheel Locks:
Similar to the circular
steel “boots” used by many large city
police departments, tire locks prevent the vehicle
from being driven.
| Cost: |
$80 - $200 |
| Benefits: |
Excellent visible deterrent |
Tire Locks/Tire Deflators
Attaches to the tire
valve stem and causes the tire to go flat if the tire
rotates before they are removed.
| Cost: |
Under $50 |
| Benefits: |
Easy and inexpensive to use |
Theft Deterrent Decals
Theft deterrent decals
visually warn thieves the vehicle is protected by
an alarm or other anti-theft devices.
| Cost: |
$2 - $5 |
| Benefits: |
Inexpensive but effective |
Identification markers
in or on vehicle
Security labels marking
various vehicle parts enabling the part to be identified
if removed from the vehicle.
| Cost: |
$2 - $15 |
| Benefits: |
Inexpensive, discourages thieves
from stealing the
vehicle and aids in recovery
|
Window Etching
Etching the vehicle
identification number or other traceable number onto
the vehicle’s windows makes it difficult for
thieves to resell the vehicle or its parts.
| Cost: |
Free to $100 |
| Benefits: |
Discourages thieves from stealing
the vehicle and aids in recovery |
Micro Dot Marking
The spraying or painting
of an epoxy resin on vehicle parts or in components,
that contains small particle dots of identifying markings
that can be traced back to the vehicles identification
number.
| Cost: |
$150 - $250 |
| Benefits: |
Easy to install, hard to hide
or remove |
Layer 3 – Immobilizing
Devices
Smart Keys
Smart keys contain
specially coded computer chips or radio frequencies.
Without the exact key, the vehicle’s engine
cannot be started.
| Cost: |
Standard in some
models |
| Benefits: |
Effective and extremely easy
to use |
Fuse cut-offs
Short circuits the
electrical system, preventing the vehicle from starting.
| Cost: |
$40 - $90 |
| Benefits: |
Inexpensive and relatively easy
to install |
Kill Switches
Kill switches inhibit
the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until
a hidden switch is activated.
| Cost: |
$10 - $125 |
| Benefits: |
Inexpensive and relatively easy
to install |
Starter, ignition and
fuel disablers
Short circuits the
electrical or fuel system, preventing the vehicle
from starting, or causes the vehicle to stop running
within a short time.
| Cost: |
Standard in some
models |
| Benefits: |
Inexpensive and easy to use
|
Wireless, ignition authentication
Transmitters located
in key fobs or wallet tabs that activates or completes
the ignition circuitry.
| Cost: |
$250 - $350 |
| Benefits: |
Easy to install, hard to detect |
Layer 4 – Tracking
Systems
These systems emit
a signal to police or a monitoring station when the
vehicle is stolen. Some systems employ “telematics”
which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow
remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is
moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle
can be tracked via computer.
| Cost: |
$350 to $1,000 |
| Benefits: |
Lets the owner monitor the vehicle’s
security and location by computer from anywhere. |
| 
