Beware Honda Thiefs~

I don't think you'll stop a professional thief, regardless of what you add to your car. You're really just trying to stop the casual crack head, joyrider or someone looking for parts to swap into his car. Advertise the fact that you have an alarm. Put blinky LEDs in conspicuous places so they'll move to the next car. For instance, quite a few off the shelf alarm systems will disarm when you disconnect them so all a thief has to do is open the door (not caring about whether the alarm has been set off or not), open the hood, disconnect the battery terminals, cut the horn, wait a second or two and reconnect them. Most likely he'll be able to start your car after that or at least find your alarm box and hotwire it.

If you are really worried, perhaps wire a simple hidden switch in series with the power to your fuel pump - when off, the car will start once and stall after less than a minute or so. Hide the switch someplace a thief would not be looking for it (like in the trunk). When you're going through your daily routine, leave the switch on - just rely on your regular alarm system. When you park your car overnight or someplace you are really worried about, turn the switch off.

Remco

Its annoying on my insurance bill. If I select similar none Honda model, it might be 10-15% cheaper. In my state and generally in the USA Accords and Civics both have the highest total and highest percent. I'm guessing there much be good resale market for both whole cars and parts. Souped up civics have been the choice cars for informal street racing for some time.

When my 1990 Civic got long in the tooth, I noticed my key opened other similar cars. Once in the while I'd accidently go to nearby civic of the same shape, color and condition and accidently enter it, just like that Southwest Airlines TV commercial about mistaken cars. I'm guess whne the keys and cylinders wear down enough they must become skeleton keys. Or Honda sold very few key types.

Also the triple-AAA locksmith was able to jiggle open the lock in less than a minute when I locked my keys inside.

You don't need a locksmith to get into most cars: visit a fleamarket and buy a flatjack at one of the tool stands - this is basically a flat piece springy steel with a hook on the end. It slips in between the window and the rubber. Practice on the cars you own and you'll be able to open up pretty much any car in less than a minute.

"HondaGurlll" wrote in news:61288a645e727@uwe:

I understand that the windows are a weak point for entry into your car,then they tear apart the steering column to pop the ignition lock cylinder.It happened to a neighbor of mine,and then they tried to steal my Integra. My alarm alerted me and I went out there (armed) and chased them off.

IMO,getting a locking steering column collar will ward off most thieves. I have not found one specifically for Honda/Acura,only for Toyotas.

"rick++" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@j55g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

I read in the paper recently about auto thefts being done with ground-down keys.They grind them very thin.

Then there's "slimjims".

"Remco" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@y43g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:

Also called "slimjim". I watched a locksmith use one,along with a thin wood wedge to hold the window away from the door to keep from damaging the window or rubber trim.

Of course,having one in your car is "possession of burglary tools" unless you are a locksmith or repo man.

Possession could be an offense - not sure what the law is here on that. It would be a little silly, because any wire clothes hanger could be used as a car jacking tool as well.

I have one in my toolkit to help stranded people out. Thus far I've used it 6 times in three years. (actually got it after my daughter locked herself out and had to try to break in with clothes hangers).

Move to a better location? {;^)

"Remco" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@f6g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

A wire clothes hanger is not specifically a tool for opening locked car doors.

Yes,and the owner was present when you were using the tool to open her car.

Jim Yanik wrote in news:Xns97D688005DA83jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.85:

To add more;the thieves pry out the window at the top where it slides into a plastic clip,then use something to open the door lock.Coat hanger?

Using a big screwdriver or a dent puller. Either way,the lock is now trashed.

But they failed,then stole his stereo,

the 2 thieves didn't move away from my car when I approached,-until I drew the gun! Thieves are getting pretty bold.

I may have to build one myself,as I may not always be around to respond to my alarm. If you cannot respond to your alarm,then it's essentially worthless,as no one else will respond,and it takes TIME for police to arrive after being called.

"Jim Yanik" wrote

Essentially, yes. But some of the thieves now do not destroy the ignition lock at all. It's simply magic. -- I don't know and don't want to know how it's done without keys.

This is a good deterrent but inefficient. Will you be using a 10 gauge steel? How are going to cut weld and bend steel? What will make it freon proof?

I am not disagreeing with you whether it is or should be an offense.

Just understand that my reason for having one in my toolkit is not for the purpose of stealing cars. :) Was simply illustrating that anyone can open up any car without any training - security isn't but what else is new?

Remco

The classic tool they used to defeat the club, which is sold at every home center, is the same tool used to defeat the 16 gauge steel steering column lock. The Lojack is false security.

Essentially, you went thru all the trouble but other simple solutions would work much better an you won't have to even put them on when you leave the car. Practically, your paranoia has stopped you from gracefully living your life.

One more thing, it's already been widespread that the Viper can be defeated in a few seconds. The Viper alarm is a very weak contender, unless I install it against Viper's regulations, which they WON'T allow it.

"HondaGurlll via CarKB.com" wrote in news:6141aa4f1c31e@uwe:

It's not "crackheads" who steal autos. Maybe they might do a smash-n-grab of some easily removed item,but not the whole auto. The ones who take whole autos or major components are other auto enthusiasts unwilling to do an honest day's work and PAY for their stuff..

Except you will not get the entire value of your working auto,nor for what upgrades you installed aftermarket. You'll get book value on an original 199X Civic,minus your deductible. You probably will not be able to pay off your loan with the proceeds.