VEHICLE SECURITY
101:
Auto Immobilizers
There are a number of immobilization devices
on the market that claim to prevent automotive theft. These
work in a variety of ways, but are unable to provide the unbeaten
security and reliability of the Ravelco Anti-Theft device. They often
times take a high-tech approach that only introduces holes in security
or worse, unreliable operation, leaving you stranded. FLAT PLUG DEVICES – Effectiveness and
reliability are major issues with flat-plug devices. Users
have experienced significant problems with their cars not starting
as the connector pins are very thin, and wear out quickly. These
devices are all mounted below the dash. Car thieves can overcome
these devices in seconds by using a jumper wire or even with
an "old fashioned" hat pin, simply by sticking it through
one wire and into the other. They typically have a maximum of
six different combinations and most car dealers use the same
combination on every vehicle they sell. These systems are cheap
and take about 10 minutes to install, which enables dealers to
install them on every vehicle in stock and try to sell their
vehicles at a higher price.
THE CLUB - Widely advertised, this device is
probably the best known anti-theft product on the market today.
But as demonstrated on CBS' American Journal (hyperlink to source?),
a car thief using a hacksaw can cut through the vehicle's steering
wheel and remove The Club in just 22 seconds. The program also
demonstrated how a thief can spray Freon into the locking mechanism
of The Club, hit the now-frozen lock with a hammer, and shatter
it like glass, enabling him to remove The Club. In addition,
there is a device called the Club Buster, which will break The
Club and AutoLock devices in 60 seconds. The Club Buster is intended
for locksmiths, tow truck operators, and auto repossession professionals,
but any thief can buy it over the Internet for about $93.
KEYPAD SYSTEMS - These systems connect to the
starter wire under the dash. They can be defeated in seconds
by locating the "brain box" of the keypad (which usually
is wire-tied or taped to the steering column under the dash)
and then touching the two contacts with a jumper wire.
REMOTE STARTER KILLS - Many car dealers promote
this type of device because it is easy to install and the dealer
can charge up to $499 for it. Customers might think that they
are paying top dollar for top-of-the-line security, but this
device is easy to defeat. It comes with a remote control and
a special re-worked starter relay that replaces the factory starter
relay in your vehicle's power distribution box. The power distribution
box is easy to access directly under the hood of your vehicle.
All you have to do is to lift the cover of the box, pull out
the relay, replace it with any factory relay (cost: $2) and you
can drive away the vehicle. The remote control on this device
can be scanned and bypassed with a scanner box in seconds.
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