Keys To Safety Proper Security Devices Can Prevent Vandalism, Theft Of Auto

Twenty-five years ago, if your car was stolen, chances were it was by neighborhood joy riders who eventually would leave it abandoned at the roadside in relatively good condition.

But today, there’s a fairly good chance it will end up stripped of its parts and accessories or sent to another country.

Of the roughly 1.5 million vehicles stolen in 1994, 62 percent were recovered. And of those, about a third had been stripped, another third vandalized and 16 percent had been wrecked, according to a recent study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

So preventing theft is paramount. The common-sense precautions apply, of course - don’t leave the key in the ignition, don’t leave the engine of an unoccupied car running under any circumstances, don’t have valuables visible or expensive equipment installed inside.

But beyond that, what can you do?

Law enforcement and insurance officials recommend installing an anti-theft device, although they don’t agree on which one is best.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most common devices and what the experts say about them.

Steering wheel locking bars: The best-known is The Club, but there are other brands as well. The consensus is that these are easily defeated, just by cutting the steering wheel or even breaking it. And the device can be inconvenient because it must be installed when you leave the vehicle and removed when you return. But at $25 to $50, steering wheel locks are inexpensive and provide a visual deterrent that may encourage a thief to move on to another vehicle.

A new product, a locking steering wheel cover, is designed to be used in conjunction with steering wheel locks. The circular, pan-like device fits over the wheel, making it difficult for a thief to cut it and remove the bar.

Kill switches: A switch that prevents the flow of electricity or fuel until the switch is activated is an inexpensive and effective security device. The trick is to put the switch in a place where a thief can’t easily find it, such as under a carpet. A simple switch that a do-it-yourselfer can install can be purchased for a few dollars at an electronics store, but a more sophisticated, professionally installed system that activates automatically when the vehicle is turned off is a better choice.

Alarms: The worst of these just make a lot of noise, which people have learned to ignore. The better units, though costing hundreds of dollars, can provide excellent protection. If you’re considering an alarm, do some homework because there are many different options.

Look for an alarm that activates automatically when you leave the vehicle and includes an automatic kill switch. An alarm should go off not only when a thief opens a door, trunk or hood but also if a window is broken or if the vehicle is rocked or tipped. Although rudimentary devices can be installed by the car owner, count on professional installation for the better systems.

Opinions are mixed on the benefits of flashing dashboard lights or window stickers that alert thieves to the presence of an anti-theft device. Some say such warnings discourage theft, but others say they merely tip off the thief to be extra careful.

Electronic tracking devices: These are hidden in the vehicle and emit a signal that can be picked up by police cruisers or by a monitoring station staffed by the company. They work in one of two ways. The best-known brand, LoJack of Dedham, Mass., is activated remotely by police once the vehicle is reported stolen. The drawback is that valuable time may elapse between the theft and awareness of the theft. Other systems activate automatically, when an unauthorized person takes the vehicle. The drawback is a greater chance for false alarms.

Either version is expensive - $500 or more - and the automatic ones also may require a monthly monitoring fee. Also, the devices will work only in certain parts of the country. So check first with the company or local police department.

The technology does not prevent the vehicle from being stolen in the first place; however, some models also incorporate an audible alarm system.

Computer-controlled anti-start systems: These are after-market versions of the sophisticated systems being installed in some GM and Ford vehicles that prevent the vehicle from being started unless the driver uses a key that incorporates special electronics. These can be installed in the ignition switch itself or in a separate location within the vehicle. One popular version is the Immobiler system.

Steering column armored collars: These offer good protection for 1981 through 1992 General Motors and Jeep products, all of which can be easily stolen by breaking open the steering wheel column. Some of these are installed permanently; others must be installed each time the driver leaves the vehicle.

Window etching: For less than $100, you can have your windows and other car parts etched with the manufacturer’s vehicle identification number, which not only discourages thieves from taking it but also aids in its recovery. Do-it-yourself kits are available for as little $20.

Other devices: A variety of other devices offer varying amounts of protection, including transmission and hood locks, devices that clamp to a tire to prevent the vehicle from moving and a new technology that fills a vehicle with harmless but vision-impairing smoke whenever someone attempts to steal it.