After reading about someone trying to steal JeffK95Z's car, I am wondering how many people have an alarm in their car.

 

It does help. They make alarms out there that are hiddein inside the interior, so loud that you can lose your hearing in under 60 seconds.
Somebody broke into my car, and popped the hood. That's where the alarm went off and they ran off. It's LOUD for a stock alarm and never stopped blaring.

 

Only worth it IMO if you tie them in with a multi point immobilizer. I got mine on my truck and added an auto start module and keyless entry module. I also added one more entry point for my toolbox in the bed. They are good for some security and some convenience - Unfortunately the only way to really ensure security is to not leave car unattended. Even a friend's alarmed secure garage was not enough to deter thiefs from stealing his 1LE 3rd gen.

Sad world we live in

 

If somebody wants a vehicle bad enough, not even the best immobilizer, alarm or club will deter them from having it. They'll simply drag it onto the back of a large truck and drive it away.

 

Some of these new alarms have a beeper to let you know when it goes off. That way I'd have a chance to catch them in the act.

 

If someone really wants your car, then yes... they will get it one way or another. I think they are worth it to prevent break-ins and joe blow stealing your car.

As for the paging alarms... I asked my installer (friend of a friend working at A&B Sound) what he thought about the paging alarms and the ones with interior motion sensors (thinking maybe I could leave my T's off if I go in a store). He said it wasn't worth it in his opinion... most of the time, if someone breaks in your car they will just want to quickly grab whatever they can and get out of there. Doesn't matter if your pager remote is going off if you are 2-3 minutes away from the car... the clown is going to be long gone. Same goes with the interior motion sensors. You leave the T's off with something sitting on the seat, the thief is just going to quickly get the goods and boot it. So I just went with a basic Alpine alarm.

 

I've always wonder how many other people leave their cars in a parking lot with the T's off......
I do it all the time.
The only thing that that is of any value is the T's themselves - I may have 3 or 4 CD's, but they are all made at home burns, no value and easy to replace.

 

First off I'd say never leave anything visible in your interior like change, shades, cd's and such, too tempting for thieves. As for being 2-3 minutes away from your car that would be a rarity for me, more like 5-10 seconds in most cases like home and work. Most times if I hit the bar or restaurant I find a window seat to keep an eye on my bird. For now I just have the stock GM factory alarm because I'd have to disassemble it for an aftermarket one. Beeper alarm coming for me in the new year no matter what A&B guys say. At least I'd have a chance of getting my hands on them and make a citizens arrest.

 

i agree with drumhawk, i just never leave my car outta site, its always close, and when its at my house, its double parked and safe. even my 79 wont have an alarm its got battery cut and ignition cut etc just from the drag setup, it sits safely at home anyhow with no drivetrain installed, lets see them steal that with cars parked all around it to boot, they'd have to take 3 cars first to get to it haha. when i finally get it on the road that thing will never leave my sight, and it will always be immobilized by the features in the race ignition and power system, only thing they can do is steal stuff out of it, but it wont have anything in it, maybe a basic stereo thats about it

 

Why would you want a leash to your car?

 

The pager alarms are actually a good idea. You have some what of a chance (reguardless of how "unlikely" ) of catching the theives.
Did you know something like 85% of car theives are never caught? I knew the guy at my school bragged about people breaking into cars in my neighborhood, then when my car got hit up I threatened him with the cops. Now he goes to school in New West because I told everybody about what a rat he was and nobody would talk to him after that.

What I think, is Surrey being the highest car theft area in the world is rediculous. I think some laws need to be changed, making it hard time on anybody who wants to be a car theft and enthuisiasts of import and domestics alike should arrange a cruise to get publicity, let everybody know that we don't tolerate thieves. My ex girlfriend told me that some thieves in white rock broke into her car, stole her stereo and bent her doors backwards as kind of their trademark. Kids like that (even if they are 15) need to have all their teeth pulled out one by one.
****, someone organize something and let's change the law so car thieves get a minimum of 15 years.

 

I guess the paging function isn't helping much then, eh?

 

If 85% never get caught it's because most people leave their cars anywhere, don't have alarms and or leave crap lying around in their car. Most guys on this board with their awesome rides don't leave their car around in this manner. The combination of having the beeper alarm and being close to your ride means thieves are in for a very rude greeting from the owner.

 

Whelp, my T/A is my only car... so for the most part it does get left just about anywhere. I of course won't do this with anything valuable or visible in the car. I am not going to let paranoia run my life though. Besides, I live on the island, not the mainland. Cars get broken into and stolen, but not to the extent they do on the mainland. Don't take this the wrong way... I don't want my car broken into and I understand that some people are going to go to extra lengths to keep them safe. Kudos to you... its just not what I am going to do. I bought an alarm to help deter theives and I keep the car looking like their is nothing valuable in there... but if someone really wants it, they are going to get it.

I wish you all luck in catching a thief red handed. F'em up if you do catch them.