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How can I theft-proof my car?

While auto theft has been dropping in B.C., any vehicle is still at risk.

Older vehicles often easiest target

If you own an older vehicle, it’s at high risk of being stolen or broken into. Why?

Older vehicles often don’t have an effective anti-theft device and are easy to steal. That’s why the average age of a stolen vehicle in B.C. now is about 11 years old.

All new cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs built in Canada must be equipped with anti-theft engine immobilizers as of Sept. 1, 2007.

How can I protect my vehicle?

You can do a lot to keep your vehicle safe by using an anti-theft device and removing any packages or personal property from sight.

What provides the best protection?

What provides the best protection: immobilizers, car alarms, or steering wheel locks? Refer to the table below for details about each type of device.

Type of anti-theft device	Description
Electronic engine immobilizers	Provide the best protection. An engine with an immobilizer won't start until it recognizes a computer chip in the ignition key. One bit of advice: be careful where you keep your keys after you park. Some auto thieves targeting luxury cars have been known to break into homes in search of keys to deactivate immobilizers. For maximum protection, choose a device that will prevent your vehicle from being started even if the device is damaged or torn from the vehicle.
Vehicle alarms	Draw attention to would-be thieves with sirens, beeps and other loud noises. Some systems trigger flashing lights too. Unfortunately, false alarms have given this anti-theft device a bad name. Many people consider alarms ineffective and annoying.
Mechanical immobilizers	Includes after-market steering wheel locking bars and transmission locks. Both of these devices are good visual deterrents. However, don't rely solely on a mechanical device if your vehicle has a moderate to high risk of being stolen - and if it has been stolen once, there's a good chance it might be again. Using several devices adds further visual deterrence.

How to avoid false alarms

A quality product that’s professionally installed or adjusted can offer good protection. Here are some ways to avoid false alarms:

If your vehicle's alarm is going off when it shouldn't, have the system's sensors checked. The sensitivity may be set too high
If you are buying a new alarm system, consider one with "smart alarm" features. These units adjust automatically to their surroundings.
Remote alarm controls can sometimes be a weak link. Look for an alarm with scanning protection. This feature prevents randomly generated signals from deactivating the alarm. Also, try to get a system with code-grabbing protection. This feature prevents someone from intercepting the remote's signal and reproducing it.

Installation

If you buy an alarm or an electronic immobilizer, make sure you get a professional to install it. The wiring on these systems is spliced into your vehicle's electrical system. One mistake could cause poor performance, a system failure or expensive electrical damage.

When you choose an installer, ask:

how the company guarantees its workmanship
how long it has been in the mobile security business
about the installer's training and credentials