15 replies to this topic

[Screwdriver]

Greetings,

 

I've just read through a number of Mini owner theft report threads and it has scared the living daylights out of me. I live in a gated apartment complex in central London and the Mini is parked in a high visibility area of the compound. While this offers some protection, I want to do everything I can to prevent theft of the car. I thought it best to start a thread on the best tracking/ locking device for the job.

 

Please share reason why you believe the solution is superior to any known alternatives. Thanks! 

[mab01uk]

For mechanical anti-theft devices it is hard to beat the 'Disklok' as shown in these tests below......but it is quite heavy to use and should be carried in the boot when not in use for safety in case of an accident!

 

AutoExpress magazine tests 13 anti-theft Steering Locks to destruction:-

http://www.ovat.be/A...AutoExpress.pdf

 

Steering wheel lock 2016 Group Test:-

http://www.autoexpre...2016-group-test

 

http://www.autoexpre...s/95033/disklok

Edited by mab01uk, 07 May 2017 - 10:12 PM.

[Northernpower]

In addition to whatever else you fit install a way of cutting off the fuel.

[nicklouse]

Not really the best place to discuss details.

As anyone can read it.

Oh if they want if they will take it.

So insurance and what every they say you need to do. Read the small print.

[minimans]

The police here in my part of the states love tracking devises, as stated if they want it, they will take it no matter what you do. But at least with a tracker they can find it hopefully before it disappears into thousands of parts....

[Merryck]

You can buy a switch and relay from Maplins for very little money and have the relay kill something important in the car, maybe power to the ignition system, or fuel pump if yours is electric. That way they'll be able to turn the car over, but they'll never get it to fire, even with the keys.

 

I fitted something to one of my cars, and the switch requires a key, so you've got a bit of extra security there as well. Keep the wires you add nice and close to the loom and stop them standing out. You'll make it difficult for someone who isn't particularly knowledgeable about the car to notice.

[rkde]

Do the basics and make it as difficult as possible and that is about all you can do. 

 

My mini is parked up with a hidden ignition kill switch (wireless NFC), disklok on the wheel, a basic gps tracker fitted and hidden within the car that text me when the car moves. That is all I can do while I am out other than making my life over kill.

I always park with my steering on full lock too, this should make it difficult for anyone who wants to push it away and clearly always left in gear

All my cars I have broken into have had the glove box open so I now always leave my car with the glove box open and leave nothing in there, I save them time by showing them there is nothing in there which saves a smash and grab attempt 

 

My modern day car with keyless entry always has the steering lock on too and has a gps tracker on. Should the car get stolen I will find it as the moment I get a text to tell me the car moved and it wasn't me or the wife I would be going after it.

 

Battery in the gps does last 7 days but you need to get to the car before that happens or before they find it...

Edited by rkde, 08 May 2017 - 08:58 AM.

[jakejakejake1]

A tracking device is definitely worth having. It won't stop the car being stolen but vastly increases the chances of it being found should the worst happen.

 

A friend had three motorbikes stolen within about a year. The first was some kids as the bike was found set on fire not far from where it was taken, the second was never seen again.

 

The third one was fitted with a tracker and the bike moved from the University campus (in Bath) to a field nearby where it was left for ~12 hours or so, but it was gone by the time the police got there. The next time the signal was found again the bike was in Cardiff (~60 miles away), a short while later the location was busted and it was a commercial garage and the people there were part way through grinding off chassis numbers etc. 

 

There is no chance that the criminals responsible would have been caught without the tracker as the bike went from in my friends possession to having it's identity removed in less than 24 hours.

[r3k1355]

I have a snap-off steering wheel and a tracker on one of my cars, stops all but the most determined thieves.

 

Not sure how possible it is on a Mini though, not that many good options of hubs.

[Trissy B]

I thought most classic cars got stolen by putting them on recovery type trucks, therefore, anything steering lock wise is pointless as they will just drag it. Tracker is a good idea and certainly something i've never considered.

 

My mini is garaged and only accessible via a tight alley at the back so no room for a tow truck there. However, its nice a quiet for them to take time to force the garage doors etc.

 

I've been thinking about either a) adding dead bolts to the garage door or b) casting a secure point to the garage floor and using a chain and padlock around the tie bar. My friends motorbikes are locked up this way.

[r3k1355]

Deadbolts and maybe some kind of CCTV setup?  As most criminals don't really like being recorded in the act.

As always you can't stop someone who is intent on taking it, but the more obstacles you put in their way the less likely they are to try.

 

Disclocks aren't much use against a tow truck, but they are a nice visible deterrent to others, still worthwhile IMO.

Edited by r3k1355, 08 May 2017 - 12:56 PM.

[Screwdriver]

Particularly relevant for the Mini as I have heard many stories of Minis being literally carried away. 

 

Anyone recommend a tracker without a subscription fee?

[r3k1355]

Doesn't one of the traders on here sell a kit?

I've seen it mentioned a few times.

[Screwdriver]

This the one?

 

http://www.minivatio...racking-device/

[inim_repooc]

I brought the minivation one - cant say I'd recommend it, had nothing but trouble and pain with the damn thing - binned it in the end!

A more high end, pure automotive tracker is definitely worth having and is something I'm looking into..