F*cking car hoppers

[Brandon Nootenboom]

At school today we were doing headlight alignments for an assignment, so I figured I'd run out and grab my fiance's Tacoma (my Ranger's still down) So I go running out to grab it unlock (or so I think) the drivers door and hop in without paying much attention grabbing for the seatbelt and going to stick the key in the ignition then I realize... The dash is hanging pulled out off the shifter... I look around and realize someone stole the stereo, amp and sub all with only damaging one dash board screw. Obviously the asshole who did it either scoped the truck out and knew exactly what he/she was doing. The amp was under the seat and the sub was almost completely covered. Then I realize that my wallet and checkbook (yes I know one is never suppose to leave either in their car) were gone too. Both were stashed buried under papers totally out of the way...

Anyhow, long story short is, what is a good type of aftermarket car alarm I could put in both my Ranger and her Tacoma for a reasonable price? This is the second time in 3 months one of our vehicles got broken into and now the total is to almost 1500. Any suggestions?

 

[shane96ranger]

Anything made by DEI is pretty decent. They make Viper, Python, and a couple others. I've been looking at a Viper 5701 for my F150. My Viper in my Mustang is 15 years old and works great still. It's kept me from buying more than a window 3 times now.

 

[dangerranger83]

Had the samething happen a few weeks ago to my truck while at my girlfriends apartment. Somebody knew what I had in mine or found out at the time of robbing it when they were after my radio but then saw the amp wires running behind the seats and took the quick stuff.

Right before Christmas my girlfriend had her laptop stolen from her apartment in an hours time while she was upstairs with some friends. All they took was that and the digtial camera. They had to of known that she had it and thats all they were after.

Long story short, people are scoping out other people that look like they have stuff that the scopers dont have so they decided they want it and will do it any way that they can.

 

[88_Eddie]

was the stuff bolted or welded or some how permanently installed in the vehicle? it could possibly be covered by insurance if it was.

@ dangerranger, sorry to go grammar nazi on you, but you've spelled "coming" wrong under your user name, just a heads up

 

[dvsj67]

Just goes to show you cant have nothing nice!

Sorry about your luck, my Dad has had a few issues in the last year with break ins in his old Chevy truck..

As far as security systems, always try and park somewhere where there is a video camera, Leave nothing exposed - purchase a stereo system with detachable faceplate

I am not up to date on the newest security systems but i know some can now link directly to your smartphone and will let you know whenever there is an issue

and as 88_eddie mentioned was anything Bolted in? If you make such items part of your vehicle Bolted to the framerail or body not only does it make them MUCH harder to steal but most insurance companies will cover the stolen items - as long as you report the items upon installation.

 

[RangerSVT]

Believe it or not, a car cover works wonders, not only does it keep prying eyes out, but it also deters thieves. I had both my alarm and a car cover on mine when I had a wall. Only took me Bout 30 seconds to put it on and off...

SVT

 

[wizkid00104]

I believe a lawn chair and 12 gauge are still an effective way of deterring thieves...

And I have always wanted to design a door handle that gives you a nice jolt if you don't disarm it. If you have to deter thieves, you might as well have some fun...

 

[doorgunner]

You can get a very good car alarm WITH a pocket remote that sounds when someone messes with the car...

But, the catch is....that very good alarm is expensive...so if you install it yourself...you make up the difference in the price!

my $00.02

 

[Sunk]

Do you go to BTC? I'd keep an eye on some of your classmates. I had a couple friends that went there a couple years ago and I remember hearing about quite a few guys with interesting pasts....

Not that that answers your question though..

 

[backroad101]

How did they get in? Break a window? Jimmied the lock?

I would get an alarm and tint the windows. The tint would deter prying eyes. Also, by tinting the windows, the film holds the glass together if broken, adding time to the thief getting in. Could deter them and make them move on to the next, easier car. Though, if they are targeting you specifically because they know what is in the car, they will find a way.

Personally, I hide everything, don't leaves anything laying out and make my rides look as stock as possible. One of the reasons I always retain my stock head units and use line out converters if i want to run better sound. Given that, I would then enjoy the sound for myself and not advertise to everyone around me.

 

[shane96ranger]

if you install it yourself...you make up the difference in the price!

Great point. Here's a website with lots of vehicle wiring diagrams for stereos, alarms, etc.:

http://www.the12volt.com/

 

[robmedina]

That sucks!

 

[Zeisan]

Reminds me of one of the naked gun movies, they were testing anti-theft devices and one had a robotic arm that came up and grabbed the thief's crotch. Another I saw was a flamethrower under the car, guy made one in europe. How about the james bond car from tomorrow never dies, shock handles and pressurized glass.

 

[dangerranger83]

My radio does have a detachable face plate and I have been taking it off since then. My next setup will ber bolted to the cab of my truck and I will have protectors over my sub so that if they cant get the setup, they will at least have a hard time trying to destroy them.

As for alarms, any recommendations on them for a 1983 ford ranger? It lacks power locks, windows, etc... but a system that when not deactivated and a door/hood is opened it triggers a switch that will set it off.

 

[straycat]

This happened while you were in school in the parking lot?? No video cameras at the school? No alarm in the truck? I have alarms in all our rides. Scum of the earth low life thieves.......shoot them dead right through the head, smack them around and see that the color of blood is red....I'm a poet and don't know it....lol