Conference terri::cars_uk

    Hi,
    
    Its real easy to cut through a strreing wheel. They didnt get the
    Porsche but the steering wheel had a 25mm piece cut right out.
    At best it will slow the *&#$^@!! GRITS down.
    Spend your money on a real alarm system.
    
    Chip

    Hi Chip,
      The trouble over here is that everyone ignores car alarms so unless
    it goes while i am in the vicinity it it will be almost useless!!!!
    That,and the fact that unless the alarm disables the car, most tealeafs
    can overcome the alarms anyway.
    
                   Cheers anyway,
                        Stretch.
    
    P.S Does this imply you had one of these locks??? If so what was the
    name of it? 

    I saw a couple of these locks on Saturday in the parts department at
    Horncastle garage. The one for �39.95 was just a basic lock on to the
    steering wheel type of device, but for �89.95 you could have the all
    sing - all dancing version with a built in alarm, light, tilt sensor,
    flashing LED etc. I personal thought it made an idea substitue for a 
    baseball bat for hitting any would-be thief on the head rather than any
    sort of security device.
    
    Neil

    ...Try a demobiliser, like VECTA. Part of the cars wiring loom is
    removed, & replaced by an encoded section, computer-controlled with
    smart-key. Doesnt prevent the car being bundled on a trailer though.
    
     Tony.

    The old tried and tested CROOKLOCK (approx 8 quid) is used on my motor!
    
    I go on the assumption that if someone REALLY wants your motor, then
    he/she WILL get it! The cheap CROOKLOCK deters the 'casual' car thief, but
    nothing will stop the 'experts'..... who know how to switch off almost
    every type of alarm within a few moments of 'opening' up your motor!
    
    A copper recently told me that mechanical devices of sorts, are the best 
    defence against your motor being nicked.  
    
    
    
                         
    
    

    re .5
    I too use the KROOKLOCK (sp?) but since I lost the keys some years ago
    I cant lock it. I use the logic that if the thief
    really wants my car then it will be stolen, the casual crook will
    look in the window and see the said device and  think "Oh Krooklock -
    Ill nick the next car instead".. ie if they get into the car then they
    are going to take it regardless of Krooklock, therefore it doesnt 
    need to be locked.
    8-)
    
    
    brian.

    
    There was a program on channel 4 (i think) about repo-men.
    
    The KROOKLOCK was no problem. They had a nifty little tool which took
    the whole lock out of it's barrel.
    
    As has been said, if anybody really wants your car they'll have it.
    
    Chris
    

    re .6
    
    The Crooks also have wire-cutters for car alarms, and big hammers for
    the alarm siren...just in case! glass cutters, chisels, skeleton keys,
    but most of all they may have a $buyer lined up for your motor.....it's BIG
    business.
    
    Short of wiring your motor into the electrical mains supply at night or 
    leaving a really 'cuddly' pit bull terrier in the back seat, you ain't 
    really got a hope in hell of stopping a professional crook from driving 
    off in your pride and joy.
    
  
    
    

	While were on the subject....


	Article in New Scientist - 22 February 1992 page 10.
		(yes I know - the date, but it's out today 20th)

	How to open 8 out of 10 cars curtesy of the Home Office.

	British Standards Instituition publication on vehicle security,
	BS AU 209: Part 1 published in 1986 (price UK 22.50 , or local library)

	This details three opening devices :

	1) a flexible tape
	2) a hooked wire
	3) a 'Slim Jim' - whatever that is.

	This standard details what motor manufacturers should meet in
	 vehicle security. Basically being able to withstand attacks
	 from above devices for four minutes.
	 Not surprisingly, the Society of Motor manufacturers says that -
	  "probably no vehicle meets this standard"

	A Consumers Association survey found that out of 141 cars tested, 
	 116 could be broken into within 10seconds.

	Incidentally, thefts in Britain is more than twice that of
	 France and Italy, and nearly seven times that of western Germany.

    
    re: .9
    
    >	How to open 8 out of 10 cars curtesy of the Home Office.

    >	British Standards Instituition publication on vehicle security,
    
    What's the connection with the Home Office here, it's not the BSI!
    
    Mike H.
    
    

	re -last.

	Mmmm. I was just picking bits out of the article.

	I think it was the home office that requested (or drew up)
	 the guidelines for the B.S.

	( or however these things are drawn up !)

	Tom.

    A "slim jim" is a neat liite bit of (usually) spring-steel, with an
    'ook-ish bit on the end.  it's thin enough that it can slide down
    between the window-glass and the seal, and the 'ook lets the operator
    get hold of the bottom end of the locking button mechanism....
    
    I've never been sure how you get it *out* again, though.....
    
    Ian

    
    Re: .12
    
    Once you've (oops they've) trip the lock it just slides out. Same
    principle as a hook on the end of a metal clothes hanger but easier.
    
    Maybe this is what Blue Peter is teaching todays generation to do with
    wire coat hangers instead of making those poxy Christmas decorations.
    Did anybody ever attempt to make one of those?
    
    Chris

    
    Surly,, don't you just open the car door ?

    There's no need to be surly.......

    
    
    .... don't call me surely........
    
    you only need it when the keys are held by someone else....usually the
    owner...  :-)
    
    Alan