Steering Wheel Locks

[Shades]

Watched a woman park an older model Ford Focus and carefully put on a steering wheel lock before leaving the car. Why? Are two year old Ford Focuses hot cars on the black market?

I heard a car thief interviewed one day...he agreed that it is difficult to cut one of those steering wheel locks in half...however, it is really easy to cut the steering wheel. They just cut through the wheel and remove the bar still attached to the bits of the steering wheel!

 

[Pedro Sanchez]

Watched a woman park an older model Ford Focus and carefully put on a steering wheel lock before leaving the car. Why? Are two year old Ford Focuses hot cars on the black market?

It's more or less a visual deterrant to try to "persuade" crooks to look elsewhere. They are less likely to steal a car with a steering wheel lock because it requires more time and more tools for the job.

 

[anon1]

They just cut through the wheel and remove the bar still attached to the bits of the steering wheel!

Faster and easier to breakout the windshield.

 

[ck_nj]

I use something called the UnBrakeable Auto Lock. It locks the brake pedal. The thief would have to cut the brake pedal to remove it.

I bought mine at KMart. WalMart and other stores sell them too.

Here's a couple of websites that sell it, so you can see the pictures:

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/discave/auprobrandcl.html

http://www.autobarn.net/autolockpro.html


CK

 

[shakenbake]

What's wrong with Focus?

Watched a woman park an older model Ford Focus and carefully put on a steering wheel lock before leaving the car. Why? Are two year old Ford Focuses hot cars on the black market?

I have heard horror stories about Focuses. But, my 2000 ZTS has seen 162,000 km with minimal problems. It is the best new car I ever bought.

Anyway, do you really need a steering wheel lock if you have the theft deterrent ignition systems that come standard on most new model vehicles these days?

 

[i_am_good]

...some people...

...do it for peace of mind...does the insurance company give you any discount for theft deterrence?...any car is a target...

 

[xix]

Anyway, do you really need a steering wheel lock if you have the theft deterrent ignition systems that come standard on most new model vehicles these days?

It cost me $200 to replace my front window. Thieve stole my CD/MP3 stereo system. I say it is worth the hussle if you are in any downtown city to deter pricks.

 

[anon1]

Breaking out the windshield is a cheaper and safer alternative to replacing a steering wheel that may have airbag, cruise, radio and a host of other electronics controls.

 

[shakenbake]

Insurance Discounts

...do it for peace of mind...does the insurance company give you any discount for theft deterrence?...any car is a target...

Yes, they do, bless their little greedy hearts!

 

[KBear]

Easier just to install a switch that cuts the power to the fuel pump, or something. Also much cheaper and easier to use. These steering wheel locks seem to be more a visual deterrent than anything as the thief can see them and will know what tools will be needed to steal the car in advance.

 

[Boyscout352]

I know Mazda is owned by Ford, the ZX3 share the same platform as the Mazda 3. Are Focus parts interchangable with Mazda's vehicles?

 

[Pedro Sanchez]

If it is a pro thief, the chances are the car is going to a chop shop. The sum of the parts are worth much more than the car itself.

Did you get your information from a reliable resource? or are you just talking out your ass?

 

[baci2004]

Did you get your information from a reliable resource? or are you just talking out your ass?

 

[james t kirk]

I wish someone would steal my car.

That would be a dream come true.

 

[WhOiSyOdAdDy?]

I believe that there is a law that was just passed by the federal government, setting a mandate that all new vehicles after 2007 come with an anti-theft device (disables the ignition / fuel pump)

 

[Damondean]

Go figure!

A neighbour's '98 Nissan Sentra was stolen last week. A high mileage, dinged up car. It was recovered downtown with the steering lock punctured. The cops are still taking fingerprints off it.

Go figure!

The steering wheel locks do slow down a thief and he (she?) may pick another car rather than take the time.