Auto Trader

Security systems aren’t simply limited to alarms and immobilisers. There is a plethora of devices available off the shelf and many different services to make your vehicle less attractive to thieves. Below are just some of the options open to motorists.

• Steering locks
  
• Locking wheel nuts
  
• Etching
  
• Security marking
  
• Tracking systems
  
  
  

Steering locks

Steering locks come in all shapes and sizes and are probably the most visual deterrent available. Most locks immobilise the steering wheel, although there are others available that secure the gearstick, handbrake or pedals. There are even kits that let you remove the steering wheel completely.

Clearly some are better than others and the old adage of you get what you pay for usually rings true.

Generally speaking, the bigger and heavier the lock is, the more trouble a thief will have removing it. Look at the quality of the lock barrel and any hinges – these are usually the weak points of the device. Also bear in mind that ones that cover all of the steering wheel will make it difficult to cut the steering wheel.

You also may need to take into consideration that not all of them will fit a steering wheel with an airbag.

Look for ones that are Thatcham Category 3 rated. These have been tested and approved by Thatcham, so you can be sure they are good quality. However, few insurance companies offer discounts for these.

Locking wheel nuts

Alloy wheels are expensive and desirable accessories and are very easy to steal. Locking wheel nuts are an inexpensive way of making sure you hang on to them. Most new cars which come with alloys have locking nuts as standard, but if you have an older car or aftermarket alloys, they are an essential purchase.

You must keep the key with you at all times, in case you need to change a tyre, but make sure it is well hidden in a safe place.

Etching

Etching makes things hard for a thief, particularly if they want to change the vehicle’s identity.

It involves etching the vehicle’s registration or a serial number onto every window, and often on each light cluster. This means that if a thief wants to turn the car into a ringer (where a stolen vehicle is given the identity of one that has been written off), they must change all of the glass and lights, as well as the numberplates and VIN numbers.

Security marking

The benefits of security marking are similar to etching, although they are usually more covert and rely on the authorities and subsequent owners being more proactive in examining vehicles.

There are countless types on the market, ranging from simple ‘ultra-violet’ pens which you would use to mark household objects, to systems such as SmartWater and MightyDot.

They all vary in price, concept and effectiveness, and it is down to the individual which system to use. For a vehicle that has non-standard parts, SmartWater provides marking with a unique chemical mixture may be best suited. On the other hand, MightyDot, which involves your vehicle being sprayed with thousands of identifiable dots may be more appropriate.

Tracking systems 

Vehicle Tracking Systems are amongst the most expensive security systems. With a high purchase price and a monthly rental charge, they are perhaps best suited to high value cars. However, there is no doubt that they are among the most effective security systems available today.

There are quite a few different systems on the market, but all work on the same principle. Once equipped with a transmitter, the tracking company can track your vehicle anywhere in the world thanks to Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology.

Most systems work on two levels. The first – and cheapest – relies on the owner to contact the operator when they realise the vehicle is missing. They then liaise with the police to recover the vehicle. The problem is that if the owner fails to realise the vehicle is missing, the car may already be stripped and the transmitter destroyed.

The second results in a more proactive service from the operator. If the vehicle is driven at an unusual time or into an unusual area (a map of the owner’s normal usage is built up), they will contact the owner by phone to confirm that they know the whereabouts of the vehicle. If it appears to be stolen the police will be called.