Best last-ditch physical security mechanism? (1 Viewer)

[roxburd]

We've got an alarm, an immobiliser, etc., etc. But of course, with a high-value vehicle, there are those scum out there who can defeat all those measures. So I was thinking of getting a last-ditch additional barrier.

I'm not keen on a wheel lock as I don't trust the scum to spot it - and if they drive off in a hurry with it still in place it'll probably cause loads of damage.

My first thought was a steering lock. But when I put my thief head on, I would take a portable reciprocating saw, cut through the steering wheel and I'm away. It would probably take about 20 seconds to defeat a regular steering lock, depending on whether I had to make one cut or two.

In discussion, a pedal lock was recommended to me as being better than a steering lock. Again, with my thief head on, the best of them seems to be the Milenco that boxes the pedal in - so you can't just cut the pedals off and slide the security lock off. But it looks like I could still put the saw blade behind the box, cut the box off and again, I'm away. Yes, it's a bit awkward pushing on the cut ends of the levers that once had pedals attached but if I was that way inclined, I'm sure it would be driveable far enough to get it away.

The only one that I don't know how I would defeat is the steering lock that fully encloses the entire steering wheel. But they're damn expensive. And big, too.

When I was a student I had a nasty old Escort which I would park in Birmingham. I routed the low-voltage ignition feed through three switches hidden under the dash. You had to get all three in the right position or it wouldn't start. I'm starting to think that something like that is best. Or taking the distributor arm with me!! Not sure what the modern equivalent is!

Any suggestions?

 

[Jev88]

Kill switch to fuel pump.

 

[funflair]

Removable steering wheel OK they could take their own but would need to know what fitting ours is and you can't just buy them over the counter.

 

[Millcourt]

You could consider a Bear-Lock…… https://theftstop.co.uk/

 

[The Coops]

Hidden fuel pump cut off or battery isolator so no power

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[steve69]

If they really want it, they WILL get it, no matter what you try. All you can do is slow them down.

 

[ivorantony]

Removable steering wheel is a non starter for the majority of modern motorhomes as they incorporate an air bag in the centre,
A visual deterrent is the way to go, stop the toe rags from deciding to break in the first place,

 

[nicholsong]

You could consider a Bear-Lock…… https://theftstop.co.uk/

That seems to lock the gearbox in one gear, but why can it not be driven off. even if slipping the clutch is needed?

 

[TerryL]

Take a wheel off? Actually no, take two wheels off unless you don't have a spare!

 

[Odd job]

We've got an alarm, an immobiliser, etc., etc. But of course, with a high-value vehicle, there are those scum out there who can defeat all those measures. So I was thinking of getting a last-ditch additional barrier.

I'm not keen on a wheel lock as I don't trust the scum to spot it - and if they drive off in a hurry with it still in place it'll probably cause loads of damage.

My first thought was a steering lock. But when I put my thief head on, I would take a portable reciprocating saw, cut through the steering wheel and I'm away. It would probably take about 20 seconds to defeat a regular steering lock, depending on whether I had to make one cut or two.

In discussion, a pedal lock was recommended to me as being better than a steering lock. Again, with my thief head on, the best of them seems to be the Milenco that boxes the pedal in - so you can't just cut the pedals off and slide the security lock off. But it looks like I could still put the saw blade behind the box, cut the box off and again, I'm away. Yes, it's a bit awkward pushing on the cut ends of the levers that once had pedals attached but if I was that way inclined, I'm sure it would be driveable far enough to get it away.

The only one that I don't know how I would defeat is the steering lock that fully encloses the entire steering wheel. But they're damn expensive. And big, too.

When I was a student I had a nasty old Escort which I would park in Birmingham. I routed the low-voltage ignition feed through three switches hidden under the dash. You had to get all three in the right position or it wouldn't start. I'm starting to think that something like that is best. Or taking the distributor arm with me!! Not sure what the modern equivalent is!

Any suggestions?

I'm having a Ghost immobiliser fitted, with it the engine won't start until you press 4 buttons on the steering wheel in a set order.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[enark]

We've got an alarm, an immobiliser, etc., etc. But of course, with a high-value vehicle, there are those scum out there who can defeat all those measures. So I was thinking of getting a last-ditch additional barrier.

I'm not keen on a wheel lock as I don't trust the scum to spot it - and if they drive off in a hurry with it still in place it'll probably cause loads of damage.

My first thought was a steering lock. But when I put my thief head on, I would take a portable reciprocating saw, cut through the steering wheel and I'm away. It would probably take about 20 seconds to defeat a regular steering lock, depending on whether I had to make one cut or two.

In discussion, a pedal lock was recommended to me as being better than a steering lock. Again, with my thief head on, the best of them seems to be the Milenco that boxes the pedal in - so you can't just cut the pedals off and slide the security lock off. But it looks like I could still put the saw blade behind the box, cut the box off and again, I'm away. Yes, it's a bit awkward pushing on the cut ends of the levers that once had pedals attached but if I was that way inclined, I'm sure it would be driveable far enough to get it away.

The only one that I don't know how I would defeat is the steering lock that fully encloses the entire steering wheel. But they're damn expensive. And big, too.

When I was a student I had a nasty old Escort which I would park in Birmingham. I routed the low-voltage ignition feed through three switches hidden under the dash. You had to get all three in the right position or it wouldn't start. I'm starting to think that something like that is best. Or taking the distributor arm with me!! Not sure what the modern equivalent is!

Any suggestions?

£150 for a disklok, surely a small price to pay for a high value MH? Much cheaper than trackers which we all have to have for insurance?

Also, think outside the box? Engine immobilisers? Im not giving away my secrets on a public forum btw…

Security post is worthwhile, i scrounged one from my employer, so only cost me a bit of concrete and a padlock…

 

[roxburd]

Hidden fuel pump cut off or battery isolator so no power

Nice

 

[Millcourt]

That seems to lock the gearbox in one gear, but why can it not be driven off. even if slipping the clutch is needed?

Should be fun if left in reverse!

Seriously, the best you can do is have visible and audible deterrents which make another nearby MoHo seem to be a much easier target and accept that the long-stop (hopefully never needed) is the insurance cover you bought.

 

[funflair]

Removable steering wheel is a non starter for the majority of modern motorhomes as they incorporate an air bag in the centre,
A visual deterrent is the way to go, stop the toe rags from deciding to break in the first place,

Works on ours A class with modified dash don’t have air bags.

 

[jumar]

Works on ours A class with modified dash don’t have air bags.

Really Martin...no Airbag...that's a first for me...other that Heavy commercial vehicles...and my motor scooter..

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Ditcha]

Cassette juice on steering wheel, gear lever and all entry handles

You can even leave the doors unlocked

 

[funflair]

Really Martin...no Airbag...that's a first for me...other that Heavy commercial vehicles...and my motor scooter..

Yes N+B do on the Flair because they don’t alter the steering wheel position but Morelo and Concorde move the dashboard further forward and move the steering column so can’t use airbags.

 

[HKF]

Ghost Immobiliser

Ghost immobiliser 2 installation Nationwide. Mobile fitting included in the price. Our Engineers cover every UK mainland postcode.

www.trackershop-uk.com

 

[Tasng4]

We've got an alarm, an immobiliser, etc., etc. But of course, with a high-value vehicle, there are those scum out there who can defeat all those measures. So I was thinking of getting a last-ditch additional barrier.

I'm not keen on a wheel lock as I don't trust the scum to spot it - and if they drive off in a hurry with it still in place it'll probably cause loads of damage.

My first thought was a steering lock. But when I put my thief head on, I would take a portable reciprocating saw, cut through the steering wheel and I'm away. It would probably take about 20 seconds to defeat a regular steering lock, depending on whether I had to make one cut or two.

In discussion, a pedal lock was recommended to me as being better than a steering lock. Again, with my thief head on, the best of them seems to be the Milenco that boxes the pedal in - so you can't just cut the pedals off and slide the security lock off. But it looks like I could still put the saw blade behind the box, cut the box off and again, I'm away. Yes, it's a bit awkward pushing on the cut ends of the levers that once had pedals attached but if I was that way inclined, I'm sure it would be driveable far enough to get it away.

The only one that I don't know how I would defeat is the steering lock that fully encloses the entire steering wheel. But they're damn expensive. And big, too.

When I was a student I had a nasty old Escort which I would park in Birmingham. I routed the low-voltage ignition feed through three switches hidden under the dash. You had to get all three in the right position or it wouldn't start. I'm starting to think that something like that is best. Or taking the distributor arm with me!! Not sure what the modern equivalent is!

Any suggestions?

This won't stop it being stolen but might help it being found. I've bought 5" numbers & letters and stuck the registration number on the roof. It should help the police helicopter find it (yes I know they'll be too busy) but also plod could look up there and I doubt theives would.

 

[MisterB]

Vanbitz immobiliser, but also consider clutch claw as avisual deterrent

from what i understand, no motorhome has ever been stolen with the vanbitz immobiliser, when its actually been on, though there have been a few attempts, all foiled .....

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Fulham Dave]

We installed and use all of these as and when we feel they are required (which is most of the time)! A non starter, immobiliser, trackers, alarm, disklock, pedal lock & wheel clamp.

Visual deterrents as well as non visual will help, they may only slow them down, but it may give you/someone enough time to discover them and take action.

 

[Go_buddy_go_]

This won't stop it being stolen but might help it being found. I've bought 5" numbers & letters and stuck the registration number on the roof. It should help the police helicopter find it (yes I know they'll be too busy) but also plod could look up there and I doubt theives would.

We have done the same

 

[Wickenman]

We've got an alarm, an immobiliser, etc., etc. But of course, with a high-value vehicle, there are those scum out there who can defeat all those measures. So I was thinking of getting a last-ditch additional barrier.

I'm not keen on a wheel lock as I don't trust the scum to spot it - and if they drive off in a hurry with it still in place it'll probably cause loads of damage.

My first thought was a steering lock. But when I put my thief head on, I would take a portable reciprocating saw, cut through the steering wheel and I'm away. It would probably take about 20 seconds to defeat a regular steering lock, depending on whether I had to make one cut or two.

In discussion, a pedal lock was recommended to me as being better than a steering lock. Again, with my thief head on, the best of them seems to be the Milenco that boxes the pedal in - so you can't just cut the pedals off and slide the security lock off. But it looks like I could still put the saw blade behind the box, cut the box off and again, I'm away. Yes, it's a bit awkward pushing on the cut ends of the levers that once had pedals attached but if I was that way inclined, I'm sure it would be driveable far enough to get it away.

The only one that I don't know how I would defeat is the steering lock that fully encloses the entire steering wheel. But they're damn expensive. And big, too.

When I was a student I had a nasty old Escort which I would park in Birmingham. I routed the low-voltage ignition feed through three switches hidden under the dash. You had to get all three in the right position or it wouldn't start. I'm starting to think that something like that is best. Or taking the distributor arm with me!! Not sure what the modern equivalent is!

Any suggestions?

The new Disklok is supposed to be very difficult to remove, probably the best steering wheel lock as the thief can’t get at the body of the steering wheel to cut the lock off. As you’ve commented it’s impossible to make any vehicle 100% thief proof, but anything that slows a thief down acts as a deterrent.

 

[Trackman]

We've got an alarm, an immobiliser, etc., etc. But of course, with a high-value vehicle, there are those scum out there who can defeat all those measures. So I was thinking of getting a last-ditch additional barrier.

I'm not keen on a wheel lock as I don't trust the scum to spot it - and if they drive off in a hurry with it still in place it'll probably cause loads of damage.

My first thought was a steering lock. But when I put my thief head on, I would take a portable reciprocating saw, cut through the steering wheel and I'm away. It would probably take about 20 seconds to defeat a regular steering lock, depending on whether I had to make one cut or two.

In discussion, a pedal lock was recommended to me as being better than a steering lock. Again, with my thief head on, the best of them seems to be the Milenco that boxes the pedal in - so you can't just cut the pedals off and slide the security lock off. But it looks like I could still put the saw blade behind the box, cut the box off and again, I'm away. Yes, it's a bit awkward pushing on the cut ends of the levers that once had pedals attached but if I was that way inclined, I'm sure it would be driveable far enough to get it away.

The only one that I don't know how I would defeat is the steering lock that fully encloses the entire steering wheel. But they're damn expensive. And big, too.

When I was a student I had a nasty old Escort which I would park in Birmingham. I routed the low-voltage ignition feed through three switches hidden under the dash. You had to get all three in the right position or it wouldn't start. I'm starting to think that something like that is best. Or taking the distributor arm with me!! Not sure what the modern equivalent is!

Any suggestions?

Can't really help you. Talking of old Fords though, the MK1 Fiesta I once had was the best. There was a real knack to starting it & one mistake flooded it. Then it was a good 5 minutes wait before you'd have any chance of another try.
It totally defeated thieves who hot wired it on at least one occasion. Who needs security devices!

 

[Jim and Louise]

That seems to lock the gearbox in one gear, but why can it not be driven off. even if slipping the clutch is needed?

It locks it in the reverse gear

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[DBK]

This is our deterrent of last resort. Unfortunately, it can be disabled with a biscuit...

 

[fred_jb]

I have deadlocks all round, a Rewire tracker, a bar type steering lock, motorcycle disc locks to lock the seats in a position whereby the backs block the side windows, and a modification which disables the auto gearbox. If I told you how I did that I would have to kill you so it will remain my secret. It means they might start the engine but they ain't going anywhere!

 

[Tony50]

As said before thickish high tensile chain around suspension leg through wheel locked with heavy £80 high tensile pad lock, ( using portable hand grinder I can assure you you would need a few discs to cut it off) hopefully somebody / neighbours would here noise if we are out . Would they nock a Transit knowing the cambelt in oil problems,and injector problems ?

 

[steve69]

This is our deterrent of last resort. Unfortunately, it can be disabled with a biscuit...

View attachment 929169

Is that what they call a "Growler" alarm system?

 

[TravellingSmurff]

You say you have a immobiliser but we have an S5 plus tracker too. This means that even if the van is picked up e.g. tilted to put on a trailer without starting it, it will notify a call center who will ring us and then the police if need be.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}