Anti-Theft Stories

[jst4f]

As everyone knows, new trucks are not cheap.  What has been your experience with anti-theft devices, good stories and bad, including GM and third party devices?  

[chevy4x4trucks]

My anti-theft device is me.  It's a good story.  Last summer I was leaving Michigan and stopped at a Wendy's for some lunch before I drove back.  My truck was full of stuff in the back and had my mountain bike (pretty expensive) in the back, locked up, and covered in a bed web.  Well, I park and go inside.  While I was wating to order, I looked out the window and see this guy trying to unhook my bed web to steal my bike or the stuff in the back.  So, I calmly leave the line and go outside and get behind the guy.  I was pretty pissed so I grabbed his arm twisted it behind his back and threw him on the ground.  Well, his other buddy in the car, possibly the lookout guy and not doing a very good job, jumped out to try and defend his buddy.  So I threw him on top of the other guy.  They both got up, looked at me, and were ready to fight me or something (why I don't know since it was my stuff they were trying to steal), but must've come to there senses and jumped in there car and left.  Then I casually went into Wendy's and got a bite to eat.  Some people were giving me weird looks since they probably saw me through the window.  It was pretty funny at the time and is still pretty funny now.  

 

But, in the way of future anti-theft devices so the whole truck won't be stolen, I plan on getting some type of alarm installed.

[LarryE]

viper alarm and unbreakable autoloc,   unstoppable

[MadFish]

In my Camaro I had Grants security system. All I had to do is take the steering wheel off and put the Grant cover on. If you dont have a wheel to steer with you cant drive it. Plus, if you did get the cover off, you couldnt get the wheel back on with out the key or try to steer it another way. Costs about $100 through Jegs.

 

I have a friend that drives a Ford Ranger. He put air bags on it. So, now his security system is drop the truck to the ground. If most of the weight of the truck is on the ground you cant steal it, because it wont go no where.

[2000 GMC]

My 2000 Sierra came with factory alarm.  I think that alarms really don't work all that well.  Had a buddy in Sacramento California who had his brand new step side stolen. Paid to get a pretty decent alarm in his truck.   If they want it bad enough, they'll get it.   Need to be more like Chevy 4x4 and give them scum bags a beating.     

 

At times I'll carry my other anti-thief device, a Glock 19.  

[pacodiablo]

alarms are worthless...i use the same method as chevy4x4trucks

[Roger]

I drive a School Bus for San Diego City Schools. A few years ago, I had taken a group down to a school in Tijuana, Mexico (just across the border). After dropping the group off, I had to find a place to stage the bus for 3 hours, and I found a place about 2 blocks away from the school.

 

Having a infant at home, at that time, I was tired and decided to take a nap in the bus.

 

About 45 minutes into the nap, I was awaken by a noise outside of the bus and a slight movement of the bus. I positioned myself so I couldn't be seen, but at the same time, see what was going on with the side mirrors.

 

So what did I see? 3 guys trying to take off one of my outside duals. I jumped into the driver's seat and took off. You should have seen the guys leap.

 

2 of my lug nuts were loose and that was it. I did swing back and picked up all their tools and became their new owner.

 

A true story.

[Roger]

And another tale.

 

My mother in law is a liberal. Hard core liberal, except for one issue-She's a member of the NRA and is a very good shooter.

 

On the shelf behind the rear seat of her car, she keeps one of her silhouette targets, which has most of the shots right in the middle.

 

I've often wondered how many potential thiefs saw that and then walked away.

 

My mother-in law has an application for a consealed weapons permit. She hasn't sent it in yet.

[pacodiablo]

Quote from Roger, posted on Nov. 15 2001,8:39

I drive a School Bus for San Diego City Schools. A few years ago, I had taken a group down to a school in Tijuana, Mexico (just across the border). After dropping the group off, I had to find a place to stage the bus for 3 hours, and I found a place about 2 blocks away from the school.

 

Having a infant at home, at that time, I was tired and decided to take a nap in the bus.

 

About 45 minutes into the nap, I was awaken by a noise outside of the bus and a slight movement of the bus. I positioned myself so I couldn't be seen, but at the same time, see what was going on with the side mirrors.

 

So what did I see? 3 guys trying to take off one of my outside duals. I jumped into the driver's seat and took off. You should have seen the guys leap.

 

2 of my lug nuts were loose and that was it. I did swing back and picked up all their tools and became their new owner.

 

A true story.

 

now that is a cool story

[chevy4x4trucks]

It's always fun to catch them in the act.  That way you can take out all of the frustration that they've caused you.

[RyanbabZ71]

Try this on your college campus

 

Find a nice seat or bench in viewing distance of your vehicle

 

When someone walks by it or stops to look at it hit the panic button alarm.

 

Me and a few friends did this when my truck was new.  Couldnt believe all the admirers (sp?)

 

Scared the crap out of most even had a few RUN away haha

 

[jst4f]

???

What is everyone's experience with LOJACK or similar anti-theft devices?

[Roger]

I had Lojack installed in my 98 Ram. Had it removed (only way they will remove it is if you show proof that the maker is buying it back due to lemon law) and installed in my 01 Silverado.

 

I haven't had any problems with it. It gives me piece of mind and lower insurance.

[raventai]

???

What is everyone's experience with LOJACK or similar anti-theft devices?

I asked my dealer about lojack they had no idea what I was talking about (small town) where do u get it installed?

[mikeb]

Lo Jack will only work if the police dept. in your area has the proper equipment to track your vehicle.  It is not offered everywhere, mostly in larger urban areas.