Theft mitigation

[Garauld]

I've read that an effective way to reduce the chance of a thief driving away with your vehicle is to have a hidden cutoff switch or to pull a critical fuse or relay. Maybe even 2. I'm kinda thinking a fuel pump relay (or fuse) may be a good item to pull. What do you folks think or do?

 

[rangertrace]

One of my gym buddies is an Auto Theft Detective. He suggests hiding your computer port (not sure of the technical name) up inside your dash.

 

[4130]

One of my gym buddies is an Auto Theft Detective. He suggests hiding your computer port (not sure of the technical name) up inside your dash.

Probably referring to the OBD2 diagnostic port.

 

[Garauld]

...and so if they find it? If the fuel pump doesn't run they'd have to push or tow it. Does your detective buddy have any other suggestions?

 

[Bluegill]

I'd think a simple electrical or fuel cut-off switch would be enough of a deterrent to make the scumbags move on to a simpler target.

 

[Garauld]

Absolutely, but they would be looking for a switch and associated wires if they really wanted it like in Montreal. I am capable of adding one of those but I have not gotten a hold of the wiring diagrams to make sure I tie into the proper wires. When I park, say at a ball game or airport for an extended stay, I am thinking of swapping a good working critical relay with an identical one that has been modified by cutting off one of the terminals thus making it dysfunctional (no jokes please).

 

[YellowLab]

The John Wick kill switch for thieves works better....

 

[Bluegill]

Don't forget the trusty ol' trunk monkey

 

[Bluegill]

Absolutely, but they would be looking for a switch and associated wires if they really wanted it like in Montreal. I am capable of adding one of those but I have not gotten a hold of the wiring diagrams to make sure I tie into the proper wires. When I park, say at a ball game or airport for an extended stay, I am thinking of swapping a good working critical relay with an identical one that has been modified by cutting off one of the terminals thus making it dysfunctional (no jokes please).

You could make a duplicate/dummy positive battery lead about a foot long with the clamp and jacket but no wire in it. Stuff the actual lead out of sight and run the dummy "wire" end out of sight.