My car was stolen! London SE

[colinwoods]

Hi All,

So i had my car stolen last night but I have a tracker installed and have got it back this morning (with help from the police).

Not too much damage, however I have just had to order a second hand Key and Lock (for the ignition) from Rimmers as the theives 'hot wired' my car (Hopefully this is all I need? - they weren't too helpful).

But i also need the lower cover to the steering column as they broke it and unfortunatley rimmer dont have any... Also, not sure if i need Steering rack Mounting bushes and other parts etc? Ive never never seen inside the steering unit. Its with a garage now so i hope they will advise anyways. But any feedback from you guys would be great!

I also need a replacement boot lock. Rimmers dont have any. Anyone here have a spare one?

With this in mind, i'm now looking at imobilizers and alarms... any recomendarions? Also, please keep your eyes on your cars if in SE London (Blackheath, Eltham, Kidbrook, etc) as there are scum bags out for our cars!

Thanks

[Toledo Man]

Glad you got your Dolly back from the thieving scum. The steering lock just bolts on to the column so you can fit a replacement. You might need to replace the ignition switch as well. Start a thread in the "wanted" section.

It sounds like you will need to beef up your security. A steering wheel clamp or a wheel clamp would be a good place to start. You could do the old trick of removing the rotor arm from the dizzy. A hidden kill switch would prevent the car from being started.

[xvivalve]

Hi Colin,

PM me your address and I'll send you a lower steering shroud for the cost of the postage. (£3.95 second class signed for)

I can also supply a boot lock and key, but given their scarcity, and the fact I've charged three other members for them recently, there will be a modest cost to that I'm afraid.

Alun

[Mahesh]

Good to hear you have recovered the vehicle,

I must admit, seeing yours parked where you do with no problems, (until now) I have
been a bit complacent with my car.

[SprintMWU773V]

Alarms are a waste of time IMO. If someone wants to steal your car they will so work on ways to minimise the chances. A steering wheel lock is good because they are a good visual deterrent and does not require any skill to install. I would also fit a battery kill switch under the dash as it's easy and discreet. Those two should significantly reduce the chances of theft by driving away. If someone wants to pick up your car and remove it they can but that requires a lot of work.

[Howard81]

Glad you got the car back! I'm in East London so will definitely be looking into upping the security on my car..

[80Sprint]

I have a steering wheel lock that goes over the whole steering wheel. My son had the same and no longer needs his so its available for a tenner.

I can send a picture if you want.

[Bumpa]

This is what I use on my MGBGTV8. It is easy to use and tough. It would take a determined thief with tools to remove it. And because it covers the wheel centre, means that the wheel can't be taken off. And it's highly visible. Unfortunately Halfords don't sell them any more as I would like another one.
Mike

[tinweevil]

Glad you got it back.
I agree with the above on alarms - useless. Were I trying to protect a valuable car after a tracker I would consider an in line fuel cut off. These days rather than trying to hide a switch where a thief won't think of looking I would investigate something high tech such as this fitted in a totally inaccessible area. Under the carpet under a front seat for example. Like all things high tech though you would have to accept that at some point it will stop working. Oh and ensure your phone is always charged.

[Carledo]

Trackers do seem to be the way to go, though obviously preventing a theft is better than repairing the damage done by the scumbags. I guess with modern car security being so good, they have to nick older stuff!
Glad to hear you got it back with only minimal damage though!

I have all the bits you need already advertised in parts for sale on this forum, a good second hand steering lock and key and a matched pair of boot lock and glovebox lock with key all for the princely sum of £40 and i'll throw in a column shroud and the postage for free! If it turns out you need an ignition switch as well, I can help with that also or any other column parts the blighters may have damaged. Though if you need a whole column I may have to charge a bit for carriage.

Steve

[colinwoods]

Hi All... Thanks for all the above.

I love my car so much, i now have a garage. She sleeps well each night in comfort and away from evil scumbags

[Mahesh]

Good to hear, I leave mine in the works yard corner with a forklift in front.

How'd you get on with the alternator problem ?