ADVICE AND TIPS ON VEHICLE SECURITY
Car alarms
Good quality car alarms provide effective cover of the entire vehicle and its contents. They protect against theft from the vehicle with audible and visual warning of vehicle tampering as well as having at least two points of engine immobilising to prevent the car being driven. WARLOCKS strongly recommends choosing an alarm or immobiliser which is certified to the Australian / New Zealand Standard AS/NZS: 4601 1999 or AS/NZ 3749: 1997.
This two part standard firstly details the minimum performance requirements and associated test methods. The stringent independent testing required for compliance ensures a high security level in design and quality component manufacture. Part two covers installation and maintenance. It is a code of practice for alarm fitters.
Engine immobilisers
Immobilisers are the most effective anti-vehicle theft devices currently available. Research in 2001 indicated that immobilisers are fitted to about 36 percent of all vehicles in Australia, but only three percent of vehicles that are stolen.
An immobiliser protects a car by temporarily interrupting the power supply to two of the three systems required to start the vehicle's engine - being the fuel pump, starter motor or ignition.
RACV recommends that only immobilisers that comply with the Australian New zealand Standard AS/NZS 4601 1999 should be considered. Standard features of an AS/NZS 4601 approved immobiliser include:
- Automatic immobilisation within 40 seconds of ignition switch-off
- Two independent points of immobilisation
- Connections enclosed in security housing
- All black security wiring
- Flashing dashboard LED when system armed
- Secure owner PIN override
An Australian Design Rule (ADR) was introduced in July 2001 making it compulsory for all new cars sold to be fitted with approved immobilisers. However, older cars are still a prime target for thieves due to their low security levels, and thus will benefit from installation of an aftermarket immobiliser.
The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, under its Carsafe program, is currently running an initiative that is encouraging motorists to fit AS/NZS 4601 approved immobilisers to their vehicles.
Wheel locks
Expensive wheels and tyres are an attractive proposition for thieves. Sometimes the car is not stolen but the wheels are removed where the vehicle sits. Wheel locks secure the road wheels only. The locking wheel nuts or studs are either key operated or use an individually shaped nut, which requires a specially matched socket for removal. For added security they could be used in conjunction with an alarm which features a shock sensor. This would detect any attempt to forcibly remove the wheel locks and provide an audible warning.
The special socket will need to be carried in the car in case of a flat tyre, so don't make things easy for the thief by leaving it in the glove box or in the boot with the spare wheel. Find your own hiding place for it in the car.
Transmission locks
These locks prevent the car from being driven by locking the gear lever in the park (automatic) and reverse position (manual).
The assembly is securely fixed to the floor of the car and a U shaped shackle clamps around the gear lever.
Using one of these transmission locks in conjunction with an alarm or immobiliser will give the vehicle a good combination of mechanical and electronic protection.
Steering Wheel locks
Steering wheel locks are highly visible. They provide basic theft protection and deterrent value. These devices lock onto the steering wheel and an extension arm prevents the wheel turning because its travel is obstructed by either the cars seat or windscreen.
Ignition switch shields
The ignition switch is a frequent point of attack by a thief to get the vehicle started. These shields protect the switch assembly against this common method used by thieves. The shields, however, are model specific and not available for all vehicles.
Window etching
Window etching has some theft deterrent value when used alone but is best used in addition to other anti-theft devices. It makes the job harder for a professional thief who wants to change a cars identity and can help the Police in tracing recovered vehicles, which have undergone a re-birthing.
The last seven digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or body/chassis number are applied to all windows by sandblasting or chemically etching them into the glass.
Wheel clamps
Wheel clamps lock around the road wheel of a car, caravan or trailer and physically prevent the vehicle being driven away. The time and effort required in fitting means they are better suited to long term parking.
Driveway barriers
These folding or removable barriers are fitted in the driveway or parking space entrance to prevent unauthorised vehicle entry/exit. Their effectiveness in preventing car theft is dependent on installing the barrier in a position, which will prevent movement in any direction.
Motorcycle security
The vulnerability of a motorcycle and ease at which it can be lifted on to the back of a ute or truck makes good security difficult but very important. Even more so than in a car, choosing a safe parking spot is critical - preferably in a busy, well lit area.
The use of a chain or cable and padlock is common. Here good quality is essential and securing the bike to a pole or other fixed object provides a much higher level of protection.
An alarm with engine immobilisation provides an audible warning if the bike is tampered with and prevents it being started and ridden away.
Trailer and caravan locks
Trailer and caravan security can be addressed in a variety of ways. Some systems on the market are designed for a regular parking spot and secures the trailer to a fixed point in the ground. Other good systems secure the trailer coupling to the vehicles towbar. These can be used to block off the trailer coupling and prevent unauthorised connection to a vehicle.
Be prepared
A combination of devices is often the best way of achieving the protection you desire. Using one or more of the devices listed and taking all the necessary precautions when leaving your vehicle substantially reduces the risk of having your car stolen, but it is not a total guarantee. In the unfortunate event your car is stolen or broken into, call the police immediately.
There is some important information the police will need to know to help a speedy recovery. It is a good idea to write the following details of your car on the back of business card and carry it in your purse or wallet.
- Vehicle Make
- Model / Type
- Year
- Colour (the manufactures colour name, as there maybe more than one shade of blue or red in a model)
- Registration number
- Chassis or Vehicle Identification Number
- Any distinguishing features, marks or accessories
- Radio details (eg serial number)
Car Alarms / Immobilisers and how they work
The car alarm market can be split into two areas:
- Audible car alarms (which would normally include one or two integrated engine immobilisers)
- Engine immobilisers without audible functions
Nearly all car alarms are remotely controlled and offer an intrusion alarm if entry is made to the vehicle via doors, boot and bonnet. Most of the current generation of remote controls would be 'code hopping' or have random code encryption. This means that if a new and different random code is transmitted each time the remote control is optimised. This makes it difficult if not impossible for the code to be duplicated by a car thief armed with a digital scanner or code grabbing device.A car alarm will also usually be fitted with interior detectors to sense an intrusion into the vehicle without opening the doors.
These detectors can be one of several types:
- Ultrasonic detectors operate by sensing movement within the vehicle
- Piezo impact sensors trigger on impact on the exterior of the vehicle
- Microwave sensors are normally used only for soft top card where movement detectors are not appropriate in the absence of a fully sealed cabin and these react to a change of mass state in the vehicle.
- Air displacement sensors react to a change in air pressure inside the vehicle (window breaking, door opening etc.)
- Glass break detectors are sensors tuned to the audible frequency of glass breaking and trigger the alarm when this sound is generated by a thief smashing a window.
These sensors can be fitted individually or in combination depending on the level of security required.
A car alarm works on several different levels.
- If a thief forces open the door, boot or bonnet this causes the switch connected to these various points to change state and trigger the alarm system.
- If a thief breaks a window to access contents of the vehicle without opening the door the internal sensors will detect the intrusion and trigger the alarm.
- The integrated immobiliser (s) will prevent the vehicle from being started.
When the alarm triggers, the siren will sound and the vehicles indicator lights will flash to attract attention.
Engine immobilisers are also available without any audible alarm functions. These purely disable several points in the engine (typically electric fuel pump, starter or ignition) when armed. A requirement of Australian Standards and most insurers is the engine immobiliser's must 'passive' arm. This means that the device does not rely on the car owner to switch it on. If the system has not been turned on by the owner within 40 seconds of the ignition being turned off, the immobiliser will automatically switch itself on.
Engine immobilisers can be operated by a variety of methods.
- Remote control operation is often used and many engine immobilisers using remote arming will also operate the vehicles central door locking to provide keyless entry.
- Transponder operation works on proximity and a small transponder tag containing a microchip is carried on your key ring. When this tag comes within proximity of a receiver unit, usually mounted behind the ignition lock or dash, it turns the immobilisers off so the vehicle can be started.
- Other immobilisers are touch key type where a small coded tag is inserted into a receptacle mounted on the dash to turn off or a coded keypad, which requires the entry of a 4 or 5 digit PIN to disarm the system.
Most car alarms also offer convenience options such as remote keyless entry, remote windup of electric windows, remote boot opening etc.
Car alarms / immobilisers have been part of the Australian and New Zealand motoring landscape for over 25 years with WARLOCKS contributing inovation, quality and service as an established professional car alarm company.
 
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STOP MOTOR VEHICLE CRIME
The effects of motor vehicle crime
Apart from your home, your car is probably your most valuable possession and possibly the most vulnerable.
Thousands of cars are stolen every year, or broken into and property taken.
Some vehicles are never recovered, and those which are recovered have often been damaged by thieves and left undriveable.
Motor vehicle crime is a serious problem and, apart from the general inconvenience or hire costs for a replacement vehicle until insurance payout, the loss can be a traumatic experience for the owner.
The wider implications of motor vehicle crime can affect the whole community, as criminals have been known to steal motor cars to commit serious offences and have, at times, been the cause of fatal traffic accidents.
This information has been prepared by the Police Community Relations Section to raise public awareness of motor vehicle crime, and to provide information for owners on ways to improve motor vehicle security.
Car thieves in profile
There are four types of thieves committing motor vehicle crimes:
The opportunist car thief
This criminal, frequently called a "joyrider", looks for vehicles to use as a means of temporary transport.
An unprotected car, easy to break into, will be searched for and if an insecure one is not found, a forced entry will be made to a vehicle parked at a location providing cover.
The stolen vehicle is normally abandoned the same day.
The professional car thief
This criminal intends either to keep the car or sell it for profit in an altered condition.
Thieves can look like you or me ?
The vehicle may be stripped, resprayed, modified and resold with changed identification numbers and registration plates.
The secondary thief
This criminal does not steal the car for itself but for the specific purpose of committing a further crime.
The vehicle may remain hidden for a few days, possibly fitted with false plates, and used for a robbery or similar offence.
The vehicle is normally abandoned immediately afterwards.
The property thief
This criminal is not interested in stealing the car, but is after any property owners may have left inside.
Apart from actual car thieves, from time to time there are people who attempt to sell vehicles which are not stolen but subject to substantial hire purchase financial agreements.
These fraudsters are sometimes found at car fairs waiting to tempt the unsuspecting with a favourable price.
Alternatively, they may advertise in a newspaper for sale column at a bargain rate.
Parking your car
The specific location of a parked motor vehicle can be a determining factor in whether it is targeted by thieves.
Parking in a quiet area provides more opportunities and time for thieves to commit motor vehicle crimes unobserved.
Be selective when seeking a parking spot.
Try to use car park buildings that are attended and position your vehicle near entrance and exit ways where possible.
Where feasible use locations providing camera surveillance or security patrols.
If parking at night, choose a well-illuminated, busy street and park your vehicle close to a street light. Avoid a poorly-lit or isolated street without much activity.
Generally occupying a parking space in view of a steady flow of pedestrians and vehicles reduces the risk of your car being targeted by thieves.
At home the car should be locked in a garage if available, or parked in the driveway under a sensor light.
Some owners mistakenly assume that their car will be safe in the driveway and leave possessions and valuables inside.
Where security has not been observed overnight thefts can result in thieves obtaining expensive sunglasses, sports equipment, clothing and electrical equipment.
Tourists and people on holiday can be a prime target for car thieves.
Drivers using a rental car tend to be more relaxed and less aware than when driving their own vehicle, and may not pay attention to security when parking.
Tourists tend to visit local attractions, often leaving rental cars containing their valuables parked at the site. Some car thieves monitor such places looking for signs indicating a tourist or holiday maker's vehicle.
Visible signs of maps, luggage, photographic equipment, tourist brochures and books, and clothing are an invitation to thieves to break into the vehicle.
Leaving your car unattended
When parking anywhere, packages and other items that could attract a criminal should not be left on display.
Concealing items under a seat is not a guarantee of safety as thieves are aware of popular hiding places.
Do not move goods from the inside of your car into the boot on arrival at your parking location. A thief may be watching and break into the vehicle once you have left.
Do not leave your keys in the ignition or conceal a spare ignition key in the vehicle - a thief may find it. Do not leave house keys in your car.
Check that all doors are locked and windows closed, including sunroof if fitted, and retract any telescopic aerial.
If an alarm is fitted, always turn it on when leaving your vehicle unattended.
Never leave in the car important documents such as credit cards, cheque book, driving licence or registration papers.
A thief stealing your car could use the documents to try to sell the vehicle.
Do not leave valuable items in the car or any other property if you can avoid it.
Many modern cars are fitted with a boot release lever in the passenger compartment.
A thief forcing entry would have easy access to any property in the boot.
Avoid leaving any papers in the car with your name and address on. A thief stealing your vehicle, or property from it, could decide to visit your home.
Before leaving your car, conduct a visual check of the immediate vicinity for any suspicious person watching your vehicle.
Any such person loitering nearby increases the risk of your car being targeted - drive to a different location for parking.
The value of deterrents in reducing risks
The risk of theft can be minimised by the application of physical security measures to your vehicle.
Etching the windows with a chassis number is likely to deter the professional car thief from targeting the vehicle.
The opportunist car thief is after a vehicle providing easy access, that can be started without difficulty, and driven away quickly.
This type of thief is unlikely to be deterred by window etching, but a vehicle fitted with an anti-theft device will provide a good level of protection.
The property thief will take any attractive goods left in the vehicle, but will primarily be after the radio cassette system. Marking the sound system with the vehicle's registration number makes it difficult for the thief to sell and has a deterrent value.
A security coded radio cassette system is useless to a thief as the equipment will not operate once disconnected unless the correct code number is re-entered.
Warning stickers should be displayed indicating that the equipment is security coded.
Owners should retain a record of serial numbers of radio cassette systems.
Additionally, placing secret marks on a vehicle can lead to identification and recovery at a later stage should the vehicle be stolen and disguised.
This is a particularly relevant to expensive, rare or exotic models favoured by the professional thief.
Enhancing security with protective devices
Motor vehicles can be protected by the anti-theft devices which slow down or foil thieves.
The more time a criminal spends attempting to steal a vehicle increases the likelihood of discovery and apprehension.
The following are some of the different types available that can be fitted to your vehicle:
Car alarms are one of the more popular deterrent systems with different types available, ranging from glass break detectors to ultrasonic motion sensors.
To operate a car alarm to maximum benefit, there should be instantaneous protection of all doors, bonnet, boot and interior. It is preferable to have alarms professionally installed, particularly to avoid damaging vehicles with computer controlled systems.
Purchasing a used motor vehicle
Apart from considering vehicle security when parking, it is important to observe sensible practices when evaluating a vehicle for potential purchase.
Following sensible guidelines will reduce the risk of unwittingly buying a stolen vehicle or one with previous finance outstanding.
A major part of vehicle sales is via advertisements.
Treat with caution any advertisement specifying a time to telephone.
It is a possibility that such a number may be a public phone box or an address of an associate of the seller.
Have I Got a deal For You mate!
When telephoning the seller, do not describe the vehicle but advise that you are enquiring about the car advertised for sale.
The person answering will then be obliged to declare whether there is more than one vehicle on sale. In this way you will determine whether the seller is a dealer, or a private person who may be dubious.
Go to where the vehicle is on sale rather than have the person bring the vehicle to you.
A dishonest seller is unlikely to allow a prospective purchaser to visit a home address.
Keep a lookout for signs of casual car dealing or rebuilding, such as other vehicles present in various states of repair, or component parts scattered around in garages and driveways.
When at the address where the vehicle is, try and establish whether the seller actually lives there.
It is advisable for women visiting an address of an unknown seller to have a companion for any personal security concerns.
Make sure you know where to find the engine and chassis numbers, and check for signs of any interference.
You can, if you wish, check that the numbers match those on the registration papers.
Check the registration papers for any sign of alteration.
If the seller does not have the registration papers, ask why, and consider asking for personal identification.
When registration papers are unavailable for a genuine reason or otherwise, current ownership records can be obtained by attending any Post Office, paying a small fee, and completing an information request form.
Prudence dictates not purchasing a motor vehicle without first confirming the seller's title to ownership.
It can also be queried whether any finance is owed on the vehicle by telephoning Auto Check on 0800 909 777.
The registration number, chassis and vehicle identification number will need to be supplied to Auto Check, who will advise of any outstanding hire purchase or financial interest.
Where a person attempting to sell a vehicle appears suspicious, or the vehicle is of questionable appearance, the Police should be contacted for the registration number to be checked in case it has been reported stolen.
Caution should be exercised when purchasing a vehicle privately and payment made by cheque which has to be paid into an account.
A private sale does not contain the protection available to the consumer as when purchasing through a Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer.
Crime prevention
If you are unfortunate enough to have your car stolen, it should be reported to the Police immediately and the registration number provided.
Car crime can be reduced by discouraging thieves if motorists take note of the measures outlined.
Vehicle owners, as members of the community, can also participate in making other motorist's vehicles more secure by being alert to any suspicious activity and reporting it promptly to the Police.
You can help crack motor vehicle crime
10 simple steps can save you vehicle
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Never leave anything on display when you park your car.
Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.
Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your car from starting and are the best way to stop thieves.
They should be professionally fitted by an approved installer.
When parking at home always use your garage if you have one. Always lock both your car and your garage.
If you don't have a garage, always try to park in a well-lit, open place.
When parking outside always try and park your car in an attended car park.
Try to look for a public carpark which is part of the police-approved.
Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your car.
Car alarms can deter thieves from not only stealing your car, but also taking items from it.
They need to be fitted by a professional.
These are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.
Have your car registration number or the last 7 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.
Mark all your car equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number.
Get a commercial database such as LTSA or Auto Check on 0800 909 777 to check out the car you've got your eye on - has it been reported stolen or written off by an insurance company?
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Protecting your vehicle
Vehicle crime is made up of a number of different but often related activities.
Theft of vehicles and theft from vehicles are the two most common crime types in New Zealand.
Vehicles can be stolen for a number of reasons, including 'joyriding', to commit other crimes or to be broken up for parts for sale on the black market.
Theft from vehicles, also known as 'theft ex car', involves the theft of property such as wheels, stereos and personal items - bags, briefcases, laptop computers, wallets, parking meter money…etc.
Thieves gain entry to vehicles primarily by forcing locks or smashing windows.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the opportunity of having your vehicle stolen or broken into:
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Keep your vehicle keys with you. Keep spares keys at home or work.
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Don't hide a spare key on the car - thieves will find it.
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Always lock your car, including the boot and, if applicable, the sunroof.
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Park in busy, open, well-lit areas.
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Use an attended, secure parking building if possible.
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If you garage your vehicle at home, ensure the garage and car is locked.
Protecting car contents
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Don't leave things on display.
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Keep valuables (money, mobile phone, cheques, credit cards) on you or at home - not in the glove box or under a seat.
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Keep bags, luggage, coats etc locked out of sight in the boot.
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Keep a record of car stereo serial numbers.
Additional security options
- Install a car alarm
- Install an electronic engine immobiliser (which prevents the vehicle from being started).
- Use a steering wheel club or lock, lockable fuel cap and wheel nuts.
- Etch your registration or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on windows, windscreens and headlights.
Preventing motorcycle theft
- Keep your keys on you at all times.
- Use an ignition or steering lock.
- Use a strong, thick chain and 'U' lock. Keep the chain off the ground to make it harder to cut.
- Secure your motorcycle to something solid that can't be moved.
- Keep your helmet with you or use a helmet lock.
- Install an alarm or other anti-theft/immobiliser device.
- Etch or mark your motorcycle with your registration or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Garage your motorcycle and lock both.
- Use a motorcycle cover.
We hope you have been taking notes?
Follow these simple tips and you can reduce the opportunity, frustration, expense and inconvenience of vehicle crime.
Your insurer may also give you premium discounts for doing so.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do your prices include installation and GST?
Yes, there are no nasty suprises. All our prices include GST and everything except audio systems includes installation. The cost of installing audio systems will vary depending on things such as if panels need cutting to fit speakers or if dash pockets or trim needs replacing.
Please contact us and we'll be happy to give you a quote for your vehicle.
How can I pay for my system?
We accept payment by:-
Cash, Eft-pos, Credit Card, Direct Credit, Trade Account.
Where is your shop / showroom?
You're looking at it! We provide a Fully mobile installation service, we don't have a public shop, showroom or workshop. Our installers are fully equipped to come to you for the installation. Many of our products are featurd on this website, but your best option is to phone to discuss your requirenemts so that we can taylor a solution to suit you, your vehicle and your budget.
I already have an alarm, can you install it into my car?
We can install any vehicle security system as long as we have a wiring schematic for it. We have schematics in our database for most systems and some manufacturers include them with the alarm system.
We can also remove a system from one car and reinstall it into another. If it was a system that we sold originally we'll also renew your warranty when we do it.
We can also install, remove, reinstall or repair any car audio or multimedia system, GPS tracking or navigation system,car phone kit or radio telephone, turbo timers or any other automotive electronics.
And not just in your car, we have worked on many trucks, busses, camper vans, caravans, trailers, boats and motorcycles.
Can I buy an alarm and install it myself?
Yes, but we wouldn't recommend it. All of our technicians are trained to install according to the AS/NZS3749.2 installation standard. This level of installation is required by us in order for a security system to be approved for insurance purposes. The reason that these standards have been set is that experience has shown that a security system is only as good as the installation. A poorly fitted security system will not provide an adequate level of protection for your vehicle and is more likely to cause problems.
There are many backyard installers that offer cheap or discount vehicle security systems but experience has shown us that they always cut corners on the installation and then later, when you have a problem, they have gone out of business. There is no substitute for a quality installation. We have been trading for many years, we are proud of our work and are so confident in the quality of our installations that we provide a 3 year warranty in all our installations.
Do you have batteries for my remote control?
Yes. We can post you out a pair of remote control batteries. Simply send $10.00 and a self addressed envelope to us.
I am in the auto trade, do you offer trade discounts?
Yes. A large percentage of our business is with car dealerships and we offer trade discounts based on sales volumes. If you think that you may like to become one of our trade customers and receive all the benefits in terms of pricing, prioritising and personal service that comes with it, please contact us and let us show you how we can benefit your business.
We also do labour only installations for busy auto electrical workshops who find that they save time and money by subcontracting their installations to us instead of tying up one of their technicians for a day or more.
DO PEOPLE EVEN TAKE NOTICE WHEN A CAR ALARM SOUNDS?
You just never know who will hear a car alarm sounding or how they will respond but more importantly, neither does the thief. But you certainly know that without the alarm nobody will hear it and nobody will respond.
By advertising the fact that your vehicle has been professionally fitted with a good quality vehicle security system you will deter most thieves.
By interfacing your vehicle security system with remote central locking you ensure that you deny access to your vehicle.
By fitting your vehicle with an audible alarm, paging system or GPS tracking you ensure that you detect any unauthorised access to your vehicle. And, by having a good quality vehicle immobiliser professionally fitted you will delay any attempt to make off with your vehicle.
These are the four D's of security and a good quality, professionally installed vehicle security system will provide all four.
DETER, DENY, DETECT and DELAY
Team of professionals can service all makes and models of car alarms and vehicle security products from the basic to the bewildering .....
"WE FIT THE VERY BEST AND SERVICE THE REST"
For all enquiries & questions Click here or mail info@car-alarms.co.nz
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