You may have heard about one new car security method that really works, only to find that it’s ultimately a waste of money. We’ve got the facts right here, so get answers to your common car theft prevention questions regarding what works and what doesn’t.
Car alarms are often ignored by criminals as well as anyone around the vehicle, making it one of the most popular—yet ineffective—ways to prevent your car from getting stolen. Other outdated methods include car window placards, steering wheel locks, and immobilisers.
Teslas are known for their theft-resistant technology above other brands. These cars will not allow you to drive without a pin, making them harder to steal. This theft prevention method is also a deterrent against thieves who know about this barrier.
In South Africa, wheels, wheel rims, and batteries offer thieves an opportunity to make money fast. However, across the globe, catalytic converters are the most stolen car part because they’re mostly made of metal types that fetch a decent price at scrap metal dealerships.
Sedans, bakkies and delivery vans are most commonly targeted for their parts. Some brands tend to be more popular than others due to the fact that they’re in high demand, while others are seldom targeted unless the thieves need to make a quick buck.
Criminals know that GPS tracking devices can be jammed using signal jammers, which are easy to obtain. That’s why it’s becoming increasingly vital to add a backup tracker known as the CT tag to ensure the vehicle can still be tracked even if the original device is no longer functioning or has been removed.
Dashcams may act as a deterrent against theft, but they don’t prevent theft in the most traditional sense. Dashcam footage can be uploaded remotely, giving authorities visual details of how the theft took place and who was involved, but they don’t stop thieves from breaking in and stealing your car.
Cartrack has been in the stolen vehicle recovery game for over 2 decades, and we’ve formed reliable partnerships with other authoritative bodies. Working closely with these departments has made us one of the most successful vehicle recovery companies in South Africa and other countries. Also, our technology is designed to outsmart car thieves.
Car thieves wait for the right opportunity. They thrive on knowing your routine, your routes, and even your security measures. An opportune time to steal a car is usually low visibility, speed, and car owners who don’t suspect that the theft attempt is about to take place.
Thieves have to be within about 4 metres to be able to scan your car key. They will often hide around a corner or behind something to do this without being suspected or hide in plain sight trying to blend into a crowd or passersby.
The first thing to remember if you’re being hijacked is to always comply with their demands. Don’t try and thwart the attempt, since this may lead them to resort to violence. A hijacking is a tense situation, so make sure your hands are always visible and that your eyes don’t focus on the faces of the assailants.
Keyless entry cars can be easily jammed or “hacked”, giving thieves access to your vehicle and ignition. Also, if the battery of your key fob dies, this can leave you without a working car—which is a stressful situation for someone who’s in a dangerous or unfamiliar area.
A high return on effort is what attracts car thieves. The more money they can make with as little effort & time as possible is what leads them to focus in on a particular car. If the opportunity is presented, they’ll attempt to steal a car as quickly as possible, but only if the monetary reward outweighs the effort.
