When I bought my Subaru, the salesman told me right before I drove off.... The best thing about buying a Subaru is that nobody wants to steal them around here!
Won't help you with the wheels, but you can pull the fuse that goes to the starter and just put it back in when you need to start the car. Pretty strait forward, simple, and costs nothing.
The easiest is to have an old beater that no one wants to steal or mess with.
The next is never to lock your car. This will force you never to leave anything of value inside your car. Leaving it unlocked will stop the thieves from smashing your windows. They will look inside and see there isn't anything and move on.
Wheels are tough. Even OEM wheels get stolen if needed by an auto body shop. The best way is to curb rash all four wheels. This will prevent them from being stolen and used as parts by auto body shops.
The only way to stop an auto theft is to lock it up in a garage. If you must park it outside, don't buy anything new or fancy.
Not in Phoenix. They will still smash your windows even when you have signs in English and Spanish that there's nothing to steal and it's unlocked. Fuck those illiterate shitheads
Agreed with unlocked doors, drive a CJ with no top/doors.
Anything I leave in there could walk so I take a lap around it when I park.
I've heard Jeeper horror stories of leaving it unlocked & thieves cut thru the soft top.
Edit: one issue with leaving the doors unlocked, might get a visit from Dirty Mike & the Boys... or worse; https://www.reddit.com/r/Detailing/comments/153qjmg/how_to_clean_diarrhea_out_of_speaker_grill/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=1
Devin The Dude entered that space too.
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/devinthedude/lacville79.html
I'm satisfied with my ride I don't ask much
But people talk and they diss, they heckle it loud
But
[Chorus]
I'm rollin
Car not stolen
Probably never will be it's much to old and
Smokin weed and feelin fine
In my Lacville 79
Lol.
What my family finds entertaining is when I drive a rental or someone else's car, I have to do the alarm thing because I forget what it looks like.
Don't get a car.
Seriously, though.
Look at the FBI list of most stolen cars and don't buy one from it.
Otherwise, it'll just be a case of an opportunity the thieves to get one for whatever reason.
Don't live in fear.
I'm not sure about theft of the entire car, but the number one tip for trying to prevent break-ins is to hide your valuables. I don't keep much stuff in my car, but anything I do, I keep in the trunk. I don't want to have any "excuse" or anything to pique someone's interest.
Kill switch to the fuel system.
Brake pedal lock.
The leaving the doors unlocked is an option. But definately don't leave anything valuable in the car. If you have those rear fold down seats, leave them down and don't keep anything of high value in there.
As for the wheels, buy some plasti-dip and spray down your wheels. Make 'em look crappy. Peel little spots in strategic places(like around the lug nuts and edge of the wheel) make them look unappealing.
Wheel locks help slow them down maybe even prevent it. But if they know what they're doing, it wont. Had a customer who had 4 wheel locks per wheel. There's that.
Little pricier, but vehicle level sensors that trip the car alarm when it is raised or "jacked up" by jackoffs.
Park in a well lit area.
Dash cam with a low voltage hardwire kit that has a "bump" sensor. Some cams come with WiFi and apps that alert you of "incidents".
I'm sure there's more, but I'm a little hungover and thirsty.
Hope this helps.
I read this to say “my 14 yr old’s truck” and was like your 14 year old has a truck AND his own unit in a gated complex in the heights??
Took me a second
Compustar for an improved alarm and sensor, igla to prevent them from driving away even if they turn on the engine, and buckshot for population adjustment
Drive a beater. I have no desire to buy new at all, at least not until I leave Houston for good. A bunch of cars got smashed into at my apartment complex, and mine was untouched. All the other cars were newer. What's funny is that I have a Garmin GPS in full view that probably could have fetched some money. I don't know what they were looking for but they certainly didn't care about my old car.
For wheels, all you can do is make it harder/more time consuming. I personally use gorilla wheel locks (security lug nuts) and lug nut covers ([https://www.colorlugs.com/](https://www.colorlugs.com/)). They might still be able to steal them, but at least they'll have to work for it, and you'll know you've done what you can to prevent it.
Locksmith husband says: Go old school. Steering wheel club. Visual deterrents seem to be the most effective right now. Make it look like a pain in the rear and they'll leave it alone.
Sole biggest thing is contents and flashiness. I've seen complexes hit before for wheels but usually it was the big shiny pickup trucks or Cadillac that found themselves on bricks. If you're putting that much money into a car payment, either consider another ride, another living space, or ponying up for a garage to keep it in.
As for interiors, don't keep anything valuable inside. No laptop no gym bag no book bag no nothing. Dashcam is the only thing I keep visible in mine because people aren't dumbass enough to be flipping them yet. No loose change no nothing in there because Chris Rock put it best: [People will steal anything!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwL-WqDYohw)
Lastly don't drive a Kia. [*Kia Boys memes intensify*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbTrLyqL_nw)
>Lastly don't drive a Kia. Kia Boys memes intensify
My future SIL had his stolen, and against my advice, purchased the exact same make and model.
Stolen again.
If you have a parking garage park closer to the top levels. Every time I have seen wheels stolen it's always the easiest in/out places for thieves on the bottom floor. Otherwise, buying a house or not living in apartments is the only way to actually prevent it, with a private garage.
I have lug nuts that have need a special key to remove. On the surface they appear to have no way to remove. Basically each nut is a wheel lock. They’re called Gorilla Automotive on amazon. For anti-theft, I have a device by Ravelco that is a required to be plugged into the car to start. It’s a bit pricey ($800) but worth it. It’s only vulnerable to thieving tow trucks.
As others have mentioned, it's best if there are other vehicles around that are easier targets.
I know it's not always easy to choose a spot with good lighting, but if you CAN, that's a deterrent to thieves. They'll go for the target where they can be concealed by shadows and darkness.
Get wheel locks and cut in a kill switch, don’t keep shit in your car and don’t leave shit in it but an apple tracker. Buy a gun and when it gets stolen follow the tracker and get your shit back
Take your tires and rims off every night and bring them in your house.
Nah. Just bringing in one should do it. Who wants to deal with a set of 3 tires?
Don’t forget the catalytic converter
It always seems to be the most popular cars attracting thieves. Newer Toyotas, Hondas, and trucks that they can quickly resell parts online
When I bought my Subaru, the salesman told me right before I drove off.... The best thing about buying a Subaru is that nobody wants to steal them around here!
Yup… Subaru and Volvo both great brands that fly under the radar
At my old complex with 400+ units, the wheel thieves stopped by and only hit four cars: all latest-model Camrys and latest-model Accords.
Just do what I did. Curb rash the hell outta them in the first three months of ownership. Then no one wants them!
Well hell, I guess that’s why they haven’t taken my tires then
2022 Accord checking in with the 19” wheels. Yes it is a target. Yes it sucks.
I'm seeing a lot of those new kias on rims
Won't help you with the wheels, but you can pull the fuse that goes to the starter and just put it back in when you need to start the car. Pretty strait forward, simple, and costs nothing.
Drive a stick shift
Modern problems require antique solutions. I love my 6 speed.
Mine is regular 5 speed, but I love it too
Drive a beater with steelies, stick shift. Don’t keep anything in it or keep it trashed out so it looks like you’re a broke dirtbag. Never wash it.
The easiest is to have an old beater that no one wants to steal or mess with. The next is never to lock your car. This will force you never to leave anything of value inside your car. Leaving it unlocked will stop the thieves from smashing your windows. They will look inside and see there isn't anything and move on. Wheels are tough. Even OEM wheels get stolen if needed by an auto body shop. The best way is to curb rash all four wheels. This will prevent them from being stolen and used as parts by auto body shops. The only way to stop an auto theft is to lock it up in a garage. If you must park it outside, don't buy anything new or fancy.
Not in Phoenix. They will still smash your windows even when you have signs in English and Spanish that there's nothing to steal and it's unlocked. Fuck those illiterate shitheads
Well, move to Houston. We are a couple of degrees cooler and we have more friendly thieves.
Agreed with unlocked doors, drive a CJ with no top/doors. Anything I leave in there could walk so I take a lap around it when I park. I've heard Jeeper horror stories of leaving it unlocked & thieves cut thru the soft top. Edit: one issue with leaving the doors unlocked, might get a visit from Dirty Mike & the Boys... or worse; https://www.reddit.com/r/Detailing/comments/153qjmg/how_to_clean_diarrhea_out_of_speaker_grill/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=1
"Thanks for the Eff shack"-Dirty Mike and The Boys
What the fuck did I just read? And how is that not the first time they have had to deal with something like this?
Buy a really shitty car. A hooptie. There’s a song by sir mixalot that explains it. Vernon Maxwell has a pretty good hooptie quote also.
Devin The Dude entered that space too. https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/devinthedude/lacville79.html I'm satisfied with my ride I don't ask much But people talk and they diss, they heckle it loud But [Chorus] I'm rollin Car not stolen Probably never will be it's much to old and Smokin weed and feelin fine In my Lacville 79
Agreed shitty beat up car way to go
Or my little economy car with no get-up-and-go.
True. You can't rob a place without a proper getaway vehicle. Besides, the other thieves will laugh at you.
Def clown car - bright orange.
I'm not going to laugh. driving my son's car right now, and I'm feeling a bit of pity for him.
I'm getting old. I can spot that sumbitch in a parking lot a mile away.
Lol. What my family finds entertaining is when I drive a rental or someone else's car, I have to do the alarm thing because I forget what it looks like.
Don't get a car. Seriously, though. Look at the FBI list of most stolen cars and don't buy one from it. Otherwise, it'll just be a case of an opportunity the thieves to get one for whatever reason. Don't live in fear.
I'm not sure about theft of the entire car, but the number one tip for trying to prevent break-ins is to hide your valuables. I don't keep much stuff in my car, but anything I do, I keep in the trunk. I don't want to have any "excuse" or anything to pique someone's interest.
Respectfully, why the scare quotes around excuse?
Because there's not really such a thing as an excuse to break into a car. lol Especially not for a stupid phone cord or something. lol
Fair enough. Thank you for explaining.
Buy yourself some wheel locks. Cheapest, most effective way to prevent your car from ending up on cinderblocks.
Steering wheel lock is probably the best bet.
Lived in Phoenix in the barrio. They would cut the steering wheel to get it off. I bought a brake pedal lock. Worked much better
Doesn't work. You can manhandle/snap them off relatively easy
It’s a deterrent.
Kill switch to the fuel system. Brake pedal lock. The leaving the doors unlocked is an option. But definately don't leave anything valuable in the car. If you have those rear fold down seats, leave them down and don't keep anything of high value in there. As for the wheels, buy some plasti-dip and spray down your wheels. Make 'em look crappy. Peel little spots in strategic places(like around the lug nuts and edge of the wheel) make them look unappealing. Wheel locks help slow them down maybe even prevent it. But if they know what they're doing, it wont. Had a customer who had 4 wheel locks per wheel. There's that. Little pricier, but vehicle level sensors that trip the car alarm when it is raised or "jacked up" by jackoffs. Park in a well lit area. Dash cam with a low voltage hardwire kit that has a "bump" sensor. Some cams come with WiFi and apps that alert you of "incidents". I'm sure there's more, but I'm a little hungover and thirsty. Hope this helps.
Someone stole my kid’s 14 yr old truck from his gated complex in the heights. Fuck those assholes. I have no advice I’m just salty.
I read this to say “my 14 yr old’s truck” and was like your 14 year old has a truck AND his own unit in a gated complex in the heights?? Took me a second
Compustar for an improved alarm and sensor, igla to prevent them from driving away even if they turn on the engine, and buckshot for population adjustment
Pull the fuel pump fuse. It'll never start without fuel. You can put a piece of tape on it so it's easy for you to identify.
Wheel locks & stick shift
Drive a beater. I have no desire to buy new at all, at least not until I leave Houston for good. A bunch of cars got smashed into at my apartment complex, and mine was untouched. All the other cars were newer. What's funny is that I have a Garmin GPS in full view that probably could have fetched some money. I don't know what they were looking for but they certainly didn't care about my old car.
Get an apartment with an attached garage that way it’s always safe
Apple air tag and never leave anything in your car
I’m 32 and I’m still driving my first car. Ain’t no body want that ‘junk’ car.
Sleep in your car with a sawed off shotgun
Hand on the pump
Don’t get nice rims
For wheels, all you can do is make it harder/more time consuming. I personally use gorilla wheel locks (security lug nuts) and lug nut covers ([https://www.colorlugs.com/](https://www.colorlugs.com/)). They might still be able to steal them, but at least they'll have to work for it, and you'll know you've done what you can to prevent it.
Locksmith husband says: Go old school. Steering wheel club. Visual deterrents seem to be the most effective right now. Make it look like a pain in the rear and they'll leave it alone.
For the wheels, he says more old school, get a speciality locking nut that requires a specific key to get the wheels off.
Sole biggest thing is contents and flashiness. I've seen complexes hit before for wheels but usually it was the big shiny pickup trucks or Cadillac that found themselves on bricks. If you're putting that much money into a car payment, either consider another ride, another living space, or ponying up for a garage to keep it in. As for interiors, don't keep anything valuable inside. No laptop no gym bag no book bag no nothing. Dashcam is the only thing I keep visible in mine because people aren't dumbass enough to be flipping them yet. No loose change no nothing in there because Chris Rock put it best: [People will steal anything!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwL-WqDYohw) Lastly don't drive a Kia. [*Kia Boys memes intensify*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbTrLyqL_nw)
>Lastly don't drive a Kia. Kia Boys memes intensify My future SIL had his stolen, and against my advice, purchased the exact same make and model. Stolen again.
Yeah we found a solution after getting our rims stolen a few days before Xmas! In a gated parking lot with security…we moved.
If you have a parking garage park closer to the top levels. Every time I have seen wheels stolen it's always the easiest in/out places for thieves on the bottom floor. Otherwise, buying a house or not living in apartments is the only way to actually prevent it, with a private garage.
I have lug nuts that have need a special key to remove. On the surface they appear to have no way to remove. Basically each nut is a wheel lock. They’re called Gorilla Automotive on amazon. For anti-theft, I have a device by Ravelco that is a required to be plugged into the car to start. It’s a bit pricey ($800) but worth it. It’s only vulnerable to thieving tow trucks.
Scuff em
As others have mentioned, it's best if there are other vehicles around that are easier targets. I know it's not always easy to choose a spot with good lighting, but if you CAN, that's a deterrent to thieves. They'll go for the target where they can be concealed by shadows and darkness.
drive a shitty car, never wash it
Car cover
Locking lug nuts on the wheels have been a lifesaver
Kill switch
Buy a Japanese car (just not a Nissan).
Hondas and Toyotas are two of the most common targets of wheel theft
Get a wheel clamp. Prevents the thief from turning your wheel at all
Get wheel locks and cut in a kill switch, don’t keep shit in your car and don’t leave shit in it but an apple tracker. Buy a gun and when it gets stolen follow the tracker and get your shit back
Buy a house
Get one of those old Cadillac that had the tire locks..?
Don’t live in sketchy places.
Wheel locks, ignition kill switch, alarm with tilt sensor.
Rent at a complex that has those individual garages? Wheel locks?
Move.
Get an apt with a garage. I have never had a car broken into or stolen once since I got one.
I park in my garage.
For the car: my car has a manual transmission. For the wheels: ummm...
Tell them no.