Do anti theft devices for cars work?

With vehicle theft being a major issue across the United States, many drivers turn to anti-theft devices as an extra layer of protection for their cars and trucks. But do these anti-theft devices really work to deter thieves and prevent auto theft? Let’s explore the most common anti-theft options available and examine the evidence on their effectiveness.

What are the most common anti-theft devices for vehicles?

There are a variety of anti-theft devices on the market that aim to make stealing a car more difficult. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Steering wheel locks – These devices clamp onto a vehicle’s steering wheel, preventing it from being turned. Many use a lock and key mechanism.
• Alarm systems – Alarm systems detect motion and unauthorized entry, then respond with loud sirens. Some may disable the starter or fuel systems.
• Immobilizers – Immobilizers disable the engine or other critical systems unless the correct key or passcode is present. This makes hotwiring very difficult.
• GPS trackers – Hidden GPS devices allow stolen vehicles to be tracked and located. Some work passively while others require a service subscription.
• Window etching – Etching the vehicle’s VIN onto all window glass makes it harder for thieves to disguise the identity of a stolen vehicle.
• Kill switches – These cut power to the starter, ignition, or fuel pump when activated. The switch is hidden away for only the owner to access.

While not anti-theft devices themselves, having obvious surveillance cameras, warning decals, or vehicle location stickers may also help deter potential thieves. Many vehicles now even come equipped with basic alarm systems or immobilizers direct from the factory.

How effective are steering wheel locks?

Steering wheel locks represent one of the most basic and affordable anti-theft options. But several factors limit their effectiveness:

• Many can be defeated easily with tools like hammers, bolt cutters, or power saws. Newer steel-hardened designs are more resistant to cutting.
• Locks only deter theft of the vehicle itself. A thief could still easily smash a window and steal valuables from the cabin.
• Using a steering wheel lock is inconvenient compared to alarm systems that activate automatically. Drivers may forget or omit using the lock, negating any benefit.
• Locks do nothing to help recover a stolen vehicle.

Government statistics suggest that just 22% of vehicles stolen had an anti-theft device in use. Only a portion of those were steering wheel locks. So while locks provide a basic visual deterrent, they are less effective than more sophisticated and convenient anti-theft systems.

How well do alarm systems work to prevent auto theft?

Alarm systems are one of the most widely used and effective anti-theft devices for vehicles. Studies have shown vehicles equipped with alarm systems have theft rates around 50% lower compared to vehicles without alarms. There are a few reasons alarm systems successfully prevent many thefts:

• Loud noise draws attention and makes thieves working quickly to steal an unprotected vehicle. Many will simply move on.
• Alarm systems have become very reliable and sensitive, detecting even subtle manipulation or glass breakage.
• Arming and disarming is convenient with remote fobs. Drivers are likely to consistently use the system compared to locks.
• Sophisticated systems may incorporate features like starter or fuel disablement, tilt sensors, phone alerts, companion apps, and more.

However, even the best alarm systems can still be defeated by determined thieves with time and tools. Alarm systems alone provide effective but basic protection. Combining alarms with other devices like immobilizers, GPS trackers results in even greater security.

What is the effectiveness of immobilizers?

Immobilizers cut off access to critical vehicle systems like the engine management computer. Vehicles cannot be started or driven without the correct key or passcode to disable immobilizer function. Even bypassing the ignition lock will not allow hotwiring of the vehicle. Studies show immobilizers can reduce theft by 40-60% compared to vehicles without immobilizer function. Here are the main benefits of immobilizers:

• Prevents hotwiring and makes bypassing the ignition very difficult.
• Electronic devices are difficult for thieves to detect or disable.
• Immobilizer function engages totally automatically without driver intervention.
• Most effective as a built-in, integrated security system versus external add-on devices.

However, professional car thieves may still be able to code replacement keys or electronically hack some immobilizer systems given enough time and expertise. But this level of effort required means most thieves will not bother with vehicles featuring immobilizers when easier targets are available.

Immobilizer Effectiveness by Type

Immobilizer Type	Effectiveness Rating
Transponder key	*****
Passcode/PIN code entry	****
Smart key/proximity sensor	*****

Transponder keys and smart key systems receive top marks for convenience and difficulty to bypass. Simple passcode systems are slightly less robust as codes could be stolen or overridden electronically.

How effective are GPS tracking systems at recovering stolen vehicles?

GPS tracking technology allows stolen vehicles to be remotely monitored and located in real-time. Studies have found GPS tracking to result in around a 40-60% recovery rate for stolen vehicles. This is substantially higher than the less than 15% national average recovery rate. The potential to track and find the vehicle is a powerful deterrent, but GPS trackers have some additional capabilities and limitations:

• Can alert owner and authorities to suspicious movement in real-time, allowing response while theft is in progress.
• Provides supporting evidence like location history and timelines.
• Effectiveness limited by battery life or reliance on vehicle power source.
• Thieves may detect and disable tracking devices.
• Success still relies on police willingness and capability to recover vehicle.

GPS trackers are not a standalone solution, but an excellent enhancement when combined with alarms, immobilizers or other protective measures. The high recovery rates possible make them a worthwhile investment for vehicle owners concerned with theft recovery.

Do VIN window etchings actually deter theft?

VIN etching or etching of the vehicle’s license plate number onto all window glass is a relatively low cost theft deterrent. Studies on the effectiveness of window etching are limited. But it likely provides at least some deterrent value for the following reasons:

• Makes it much more difficult for thieves to disguise the identity of a stolen vehicle.
• Etching is obvious damage that can increase a vehicle’s perceived risk and effort to steal.
• May not deter theft itself but improves chances of vehicle identification and recovery.
• Can provide proof of ownership in theft investigations and insurance claims.

However, window etching has also not been found to reduce comprehensive insurance claims to any significant degree. At best it serves as a supplemental theft deterrent that may occasionally cause thieves to leave an etched vehicle behind when less permanent theft targets are available.

Estimated Effectiveness of Window Etching

Prevents Theft	Aids Recovery
**	***

With only modest impact on preventing theft itself, window etching provides more value after a theft by supporting identification, investigation and rightful owner recovery.

How well do kill switches combat auto theft?

Kill switches are an effective anti-theft device that disables a critical system like the ignition, starter, or fuel pump when activated. Vehicles cannot be started or driven when the kill switch is triggered. Kill switch effectiveness comes from:

• Prevents hotwiring and bypassing the ignition switch.
• Thieves have difficulty detecting well-hidden kill switches.
• Owner has control and thieves cannot override.
• Immobilizes vehicle and strands thieves even when already driving the vehicle.

However, kill switches also have some vulnerabilities that lower real world effectiveness:

• Installation requires modification of critical vehicle systems – risk of issues if improperly installed.
• Defeats the purpose if switches are visible or clearly located.
• May inconvenience owners forgetting to disable kill switch before driving.

Overall kill switches are one of the most robust physical anti-theft devices. But convenience and proper installation are vital to realizing their full potential.

Kill Switch Effectiveness Rating

Effectiveness
****

With high technical robustness but a need for proper installation and use habits, well designed and implemented kill switches receive excellent ratings for deterring theft and recovery.

Are there potential downsides of anti-theft devices?

Despite the clear benefits of anti-theft devices, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well:

• Installation costs – Sophisticated systems like alarms, immobilizers, and GPS can have high upfront equipment and labor costs for installation.
• Convenience factors – Keys, locks, and kill switches require driver action and can be inconvenient compared to automatic, passive systems.
• False alarms – Overly sensitive alarms may create nuisance alerts and complaints.
• Increased repair costs – Disabling features like immobilizers could make certain repairs more expensive and require dealer service.
• Emergency issues – Kill switches or extremely sensitive alarms could potentially disable vehicles or prevent operation in an emergency.

These factors must be weighed, but rarely outweigh the overall benefits of protection from theft. Selecting user-friendly features, quality equipment, and professional installation can help maximize benefit while reducing concerns.

User Tips to Maximize Anti-Theft Effectiveness

• Use visible deterrents like steering wheel locks and warning decals even if vehicle has sophisticated electronic systems.
• Enable any built-in alarm, immobilizer or other security features – don’t rely on aftermarket only.
• Choose convenient passive systems over those requiring driver action.
• Have professionals install security systems to avoid operating issues.
• Pair electronic systems with physical devices like locks for layered protection.
• Update older factory equipment like keys and alarm fobs for latest technology.

Conclusion

Anti-theft devices range from simple and affordable to sophisticated and more expensive systems. But research shows any deterrents are better than none at all. A layered approach combining multiple devices provides the best protection. Vehicle owners should consider their personal risk, effectiveness data, and budget to find the right balance of anti-theft systems for their needs.

With care taken to promote convenience and proper use, anti-theft devices can significantly reduce the risk of auto theft. Advanced systems like immobilizers and GPS trackers demonstrate the greatest success. But even basic visual deterrents play an important role by making theft more difficult, time-consuming and risky. While not impenetrable, modern anti-theft technology gives vehicle owners good reason to feel confident their investment in protective devices yields meaningful improvements in security.