Would you use an OBD Protector to secure your car?

[seech]

Having had my F10 M5 stolen a couple of weeks ago (by some low life scum/chavs/lazy s who are too fking thick to earn money in a legal way) (yes, it still smarts), I've been looking into ways of securing my next vehicle.

'er indoors is understandably concerned about having something 'desirable' on the driveway now. I've had a quick look at this OBD Protector device - it looks secure enough to perhaps deter a thieving . The question is, do you think that this is going to deter them or make them come inside the house to get the keys?

Obviously, with kids in the house, I don't want that scenario. I do what most do and leave my keys in a visible place.

And in a similar vein, if they know the car is in the garage (the M5 wasn't), they will have to get in the house to get in it. Would you just leave it outside?

I'm trying to avoid a confrontation/break-in whilst not having to admit defeat/give up my passion/hobby..

Seech

[seech]

kambites said:

Was it actually stolen using the idiotic "hole in the alarm field on RHD cars" to get to the OBD port; or don't you know?

One option would be to buy a car from a manufacturer who fits alarms which are actually fit for purpose.

I don't know - but there was no glass at the scene. I could only presume they used a repeater to duplicate the keyless fob signal. The key was in the kitchen within about 2m of the window.

[seech]

tones61 said:

disklok steering wheel lock

;)

Is that not kind of the same, i.e. forcing them to come in your house to get keys or you to undo the lock? I appreciate it depends on how determined they are, just got to assume the worst case. Apparently, a neighbour down the road was 'dragged into his RR Sport to start it' as the thieves couldn't work out how.

Aside from the obvious 'don't buy a nice car', I don't know what the best deterrent would be. Maybe a Disklok is the answer.

[seech]

Monty Python said:

This:

http://www.tracknstop.com/

The idea of the car stopping when it leaves a certain area would allow the thieves to get a safe distance away before the car is immobilized.

This is really interesting... the police told me categorically that no tracker could do this as it could endanger other road users if it immobilised the car on the move.

If the GPS signal is blocked, however, I presume this would be as useless as any other tracker

[seech]

oobster said:

I've been doing a bit of internet searching for an Autowatch Ghost, anyone else got one fitted and can offer their experiences?

Never heard of it but looks interesting. They also mention on their site that it is illegal in the UK to tamper with vehicle electrics whilst in motion.

Monty Python said:

It appears to have some form of GPS jamming detection built-in, so it may disable the car as soon as this is detected. As for shutting the car down, it's easy to make it happen only when the car comes to a stop rather than when it's barrelling down the motorway at 70.

Both the Tracknstop and Autowatch note that they will stop cars on the move. I'd love to know how, if it didn't tamper with electrics...

[seech]

andy43 said:

They probably just have a relay in the fuel pump feed - this does - https://www.rewiresecurity.co.uk/103rs-car-vehicle...
It may be illegal to stop a moving vehicle, but hang on, who's driving it? Stuff 'em. The above will kill the car stone dead with one text message.

Thanks Andy. This looks quite good actually. Would this qualify as a tracker in the eyes of the insurance? Never really looked into whether they need to meet a particular standard like Thatcham.

Arnold Cunningham said:

I have an "unlocked/cracked" iPhone 4 hidden in my car connected the battery so it's always on charge. Then I just use the FindFriends app and the "notify" feature.

Even if scrotes disconnect car battery, it still has about 3 days battery life on standby. Just logged in to it now - it's accurate to about 10 feet. Obvs won't stop it being stolen, but hopefully would increase chances of finding it quickly.

This was my inspiration/howto guide I used:
http://www.techonthego.co.uk/2014/02/how-to-create...

Edited by Arnold Cunningham on Thursday 21st September 18:54

I've seen this approach before. Not a bad solution!

[seech]

mwstewart said:

A custom solution is going to buy you a lot more time. Thieves generally only know what they have been told/read by others who have developed the approach. As soon as they have to go off-piste it's going to take a lot of time.

It doesn't have to be complex.

Mark - are you talking about some electronic trickery installed to stop the car? I've thought about this and kind of thought it may encourage them to come in ask me how to start it.


I've tried to contact Tracknstop, nothing. Didn't the idea belong to a PHer?

In an ideal world, I'd have the Tracknstop and also a remotely activated helium tank that replaced the air in the car (a là suicide bag) suffocating the driver. But it would no doubt go off by accident if I put it all together...