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Modern technology can be used to enhance many of these security efforts.
It can be used to secure, or to trace cars and parts following a theft,
which makes them less valuable to the thief. However, to be an effective
deterrent, these high-tech security measures must be visible, and known
to the prospective thief.
 1.
ALARMS/SIRENS: When activated, they may sound an audible siren, blow
the car's horn, flash the headlights. These systems can be made sensitive
to blunt force or vibration, movement, the sound of breaking glass, any
abnormal variance in electrical system voltage, or a shift in the vehicle's
position. To control false alarm problems, systems that automatically
shut-off, reset, and only arm again if provoked, are recommended. These
systems may also have remote control capability.
2. Older cars are subject to the traditional, and low-tech theft
method of hot-wiring. For this reason, the entire electrical system, or
select components such as the ignition system, fuel pump, or starter motor,
should be intentionally disabled when the car is left for any period of
time. Electrical components can be deactivated, and reactivated with keys,
switches, or remote electronic devices. These options can often be integrated
into the alarm system.
 Ignition cut-off:
A key-operated or hidden manual switch that interrupts the power supply
from the battery to the ignition.
Fuel cut-off:
Integrated into the fuel line, this device prevents the flow of fuel once
the fuel in the line is used. Only a special key deactivates the cut-off.
Ignition column
guard: This security device can provide protection to the ignition starting
system. The device fits around the steering column and over the ignition
starting system.
Door locks:
Visible inside door lock buttons should be smooth and tapered.
Anti-theft steering
wheel lock: Locks on and prevents steering wheel from turning. Its high
visibility deters theft.
Trunk lock:
As an auxiliary or secondary locking device, a heavy duty chain lock may
be installed inside the trunk and is key-operated.
With modern cost-attractive technology, a beacon or transmitter can be installed
in the car. If the car is subsequently stolen, the transmitter is triggered
by remote control. The transmitter then becomes a homing device which the
police can track to the car's location. Future car security systems may
use satellite positioning systems to locate the vehicle on a wider scale.
Car thieves the world over keep pace with security measures. For every security
feature built by the manufacturer and augmented by the user, thieves will
have a counter. Sophisticated security devices are expensive and therefore
not widely deployed. Affordable security devices along with precautionary
measures can make the theft take longer, with the fear of detection mounting
with every passing minute. Making the theft more difficult and riskier for
the thief is your best defense.
Security devices and painstaking precautions may still not deter theft -
your best security is insurance. Remember to cover you car and all expensive
accessories with insurance. Pay your premium in time. Don't let your insurance
cover lapse.
| Installing
Car Security Systems |
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The
issue that makes or breaks a car security system is the installation
itself. Not just anyone can install an alarm. Certain vehicles pose
very difficult problems that need to be addressed carefully. Factory
security systems, computer controlled door locks, multiplexed wiring
and controlling, and air bags will soon be standard equipment in
India. Not knowing about, or not testing properly on these systems
can prove to be very dangerous, and extremely expensive. An installer
needs to know how to deal with the problems posed by each and every
vehicle, and how to interface with that vehicle safely, and more
important, reliably.
The most critical aspect of the installation is the placement of
the components, and the location chosen for electrical connections.
- A good shop will have a variety of wire colors, so they can match
the stock wiring to that of the alarm itself.
- Components need to be mounted out of the way, in different locations
in each vehicle. This makes sure a thief will not learn a pattern
from a certain installer. |
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Shock sensors need to be positioned for maximum effectiveness. The
instructions must be followed carefully, as each shock sensor works
on a different method, and may need to be mounted differently.
- The electrical connections need to be made in a fashion the best
simulates that of the manufacturer.
- If the car uses lots of split loom, then so should the alarm.
- If lots of electrical tape is used, then so should the alarm.
The more the wiring looks like it's stock, the safer the system
will be, as the thief will have to spend more time looking for wires.
Thieves hate this, as it takes more time. Time is always the critical
factor when stealing a car or it's contents. Anything you, or the
installer can do to cause the thief to take more time to steal them
alarm, will better your chances of your car, and it's contents staying
with you.
Once the alarm is installed, the owner needs to be shown how it
operates, the location of the valet switch and the location of the
different components. |
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October 2001