1. ALARM SYSTEMS- Who hasn’t walked right past a car with the alarm going off?  These systems have been outlawed in some major cities, including New York City and are basically ineffective in deterring vehicle theft. Passing vehicles, thunderstorms, slight bumps, and even temperature fluctuations can cause a false alarm. Another shortcoming involves the availability of "code grabbers"or "scanners" that will overcome any alarm system manufactured today and can be purchased for less than $100 over the Internet. Even the systems that claim to have Anti-Scan or Code Grabbing Technology can still be defeated, as demonstrated on CBS‘ The Early Show and 48 Hours. (click here to see the video) Some tow truck companies and car washes own and use these scanners when someone's keys are accidentally locked in a car that is equipped with an alarm. Another drawback: If the remote transmitter battery dies, you cannot get the vehicle started until you replace the battery in the transmitter. Car dealers usually push car alarm systems because it makes them more money and they are very easy to install. The keyless entry capability for locking and unlocking the doors of a vehicle with this type of alarm system is a great option , but does nothing for theft security. The remote control alarm system only interrupts the starter wire, and this can easily be bypassed by a thief under the dash in a matter of seconds.

2. TRACKING SYSTEMS- These systems do nothing to prevent the theft of your vehicle. They only come into play only after the vehicle has been stolen. The problem with this mode pof operation is that by the time the victim reports a vehicle stolen, it may have already been stripped and dumped. If the owner of the vehicle is lucky, the thief will not have removed the tracking transponder while stripping it, and the tracking system will lead the police to the abandoned shell of the vehicle. Even cars that are recovered without being completely stripped still typically have significant damages. Recovered vehicles usually require at least $1000 worth of repair work. Furthermore, some damages such as excessive mileage added after the theft cannot be reimbursed. Another draw back is these systems are expensive ($595 and up) and some even require a monthly monitoring fee.

3. GM's PASSlock II, FORD's SecuriLock, CHRYSLER’s SentryKey, and TOYOTA's Engine Immobilizer- These anti-theft systems consist of a miniature transponder which is imbedded in the ignition key head. When the key is inserted into the ignition a radio frequency (RF) is transmitted to the key. This in turn energizes the transponder which replies with an ID number. If the ID is recognized by the computer the ignition and starting system is enabled. If access is attempted without the correct code, critical systems remain inoperable. These systems are factory installed, on almost all the new GM, FORD, CHRYSLER and TOYOTA vehicles, at no charge. These systems keep honest people honest and are very easy to bypass.  Information is readily available on the internet detailing how to bypass these systems in about 20 seconds.  This is probably why the factory installs these systems for free. These systems are not effective and are bypassed all the time. Recently, a national automotive magazine published information on how to bypass these systems, also there is a company who manufactures a product called the "No Key Required Bypass Kit" that a bypasses the transponder key system in any vehicle made. Some salespeople tell their customers that because of this factory installed system, they do not need any extra security for their vehicle, but this is NOT TRUE!

4. IMMOBILIZER TYPE DEVICES– The Immobilizer name is used by many different anti-theft device companies around the world. Many foreign car companies install these systems as standard equipment on their vehicles. This system consists of a resistor or radio transmitter imbedded in the ignition key and sends a signal to a receiver in the steering column, much like the GM, FORD, CHRYSLER, and TOYOTA systems discussed above. A variation of this system involves the use of a plug, rather than an imbedded chip in the ignition key, but all are connected under the dash and all are very easy to locate and bypass from wihtin the vehicle. The wires used for these systems do not have any armored cable or other security measure protecting or concealing them, making it easy for a thief to locate the wires, reconnect them, and steal the vehicle in a matter of seconds. Some of these systems claim to interrupt as many as four (4) different circuits, but it does not matter how many circuits you interrupt , if you can easily reconnect them under the dash. Many vehicles equipped with this device have been stolen.

5. TOUCH SENSORS- These devices are usually connected to the starter wire under the dash inside the vehicle. An existing vehicle control, such as the high beam lever, windshield wiper switch, cruise control button, or even a radio knob becomes the trigger for this device. The driver has to touch this "secret switch" in order to start the vehicle. These devices work in conjunction with relays that continuously fail due to the high amperage draw from the starter wire to which they are connected. Most of them even have a toggle switch which allows a person to override the system. Car thieves are not deterred by these devices.

6. FLAT PLUG DEVICES- These devices are all mounted below the dash inside the vehicle. The connections are very simple to make and only connect to each end of the starter wire beneath the dash. The more sophisticated models may include a red flashing light . . . which has nothing to do with the device's ability to deter your vehicle's theft. It is merely a red light that either blinks or burns continuously. Car thieves can overcome these devices in seconds by jumping the connection with a wire. They typically have a maximum of only six different combinations and most car dealers use the same combination on every vehicle they sell. These systems are cheap, which enables some car dealers to install them on every vehicle in stock and try to sell their vehicles at a higher price. Dealers also know that these systems often result in problems . . . and customer complaints. Most of the dozens of companies that have manufactured flat plug devices have gone out of business.

7. STEERING COLUMN  COLLARS- Now nearly obsolete, these devices are practically worthless in terms of theft protection. All a thief has to do is reach below the dash; pry the ignition switch off the topside of the steering column post, exposing a rod; and pull the rod upward, allowing the vehicle to start.

8. THE CLUB and AUTOLOCK- The Club is probably the best-known and most widely advertised anti-theft product on the market today. However, as demonstrated on CBS's American Journal, a car thief using a hacksaw can cut through the vehicle's steering wheel and remove The Club in only 22 seconds!The program also demonstrated how spraying freon into the locking mechanism of The Club, will freeze the lock.  Thieves then hit the frozen lock with a hammer, and it shatters glass, enabling them to remove The Club. Furthermore, there is a device called the Club Buster, which will break The Club and AutoLock devices in 60 seconds. The Club Buster was designed for locksmiths, tow truck operators, and auto repossession professionals, but any now any thief can buy it over the internet right for $93.

9. KEYPAD SYSTEMS- These systems connect to the starter wire under the dash inside the vehicle. They can be defeated quickly by locating the "brain box" of the keypad (which is generally taped or wire-tied under the dash to the steering column) and then simply jump the two contacts with an additional wire.

10. REMOTE STARTERS- These devices may provide convenience by starting your car and warming it in the winter or cooling it in the summer, but please do not think these systems are secure. There is absolutely no security at all with these devices. They can all be started regardless of make with a "Code Grabber" in seconds.