Car theft is at an all-time high, irrespective of the attempts by police, car companies and after-market manufacturers to both catch thieves and to make it impossible for a vehicle to be stolen. Words such as immobiliser, transmission lock, alarm, and panic are supposed to strike fear into the hearts of the car thief, and in some cases, they do. However don't think a car can ever be made fully theft proof; it simply isn't possible. The bottom line being that if an experienced thief wants your car, they will get it!
All we can do is employ products we hope will at least provide us with a fighting chance. Mind you, this is much more difficult than it may seem, thanks to a proliferation of 'marginal' products. Piranha's Peter Hazer is the first to put up his hand in suggesting his credentials should be checked. He believes that he has a quality product and therefore has nothing to fear, however he did show significant concern for the consumer who may be bitten by the fly-by-nighter.
Some of the points he made included:
- Deal with a company that has been around a long time and has a good reputation.
- Make sure they offer Australia-wide service.
- Make sure they are members of an approved industry association like the Car Alarm Traders Association and ASIAL.
- Australian Standards-approved alarms are the best protection, therefore you should ask to see the certificate of approval and the technician's Security Licence. Two Australian standards apply, namely the 1990 and 1997 versions, with the latter much more desirable.
- Test your alarm operation on a regular basis - don't just turn it on and off - make sure it sounds when the doors are opened. Don't wait until someone breaks in to see if the siren still works.
Reality suggests that if you're to 'protect' say a $40,000 investment, does it make sense spending $99 on an alarm system? I don't think so!
The number of brands and options available on the Australian market is incredible; it's almost like we're a dumping ground for the rest of the world. So, be judicious when choosing a system. Don't skimp - make it as hard as possible for the thief. Sure, at the end of the day a tray truck is all that's needed to drag a car away and into oblivion, but at least you will have given it your best shot.
CAR ALARMS
Piranha Security - Flashpoint Alarm Systems
Flashpoint
FP300 Level 1
Flashpoint's anti-scan range of three systems starts at $395 and goes up in $100 increments. All come with two shock and water resistant remote controls, offer instant protection on doors boot and bonnet, have engine immobilization, a piezo shock sensor, glass protection, LED diagnostic 6-memory display, flashing car indicators, flashing LED, siren, panic feature, programmable audible Arm/Disarm confirmation, two service keys and false alarm lockout. The extra $100 for the following stages covers:
FP320 Level 3
Back up battery.
FP320u Level 4
Back up battery and ultrasonic movement detectors (excludable via the remote control). These are 1990 Australian Standards Approved.
FP600 Level 4
Tipping the scales at $695 and $795, Flashpoint's Random Coding level 3 and 4 systems meet the strict 1997 Australian Design Rules, making them a worthwhile consideration. Typical of the brand, they offer full coverage and come with two shock and water resistant remotes, two over-ride keys, door, bonnet and boot protection. Important is the use of all-black engine immobiliser wiring (desirable as it makes locating the immobiliser wires very difficult for a thief). They are also equipped with two engine immobilisers.
The car body is also 'armed' with a piezo shock sensor, it comes with 6 sector LED diagnostic memory, flashing dash LED and indicators, remote panic function, function check control, false alarm lockout, siren with battery backup, programmable audible arm/disarm confirmation, and accidental disengagement protection. The difference in price is attributed to its cheaper brother having only a glass break detector, whereas the Level 4 unit comes with internal movement protection.
AUDIOVOX
Prestige APS-25CL
Audiovox is a high volume seller, in the main due to a pricing structure that makes them accessible to the masses. This model is a case in point, a basic system at a low price (under $200), but which also contains some features normally associated with more expensive units. It includes a code-learning receiver, remote panic, starter disable, 7-function diagnostic LED, active or passive arming, intrusion alert with memory and adjustable electric shock sensor. Options are many including keyless entry, a remote starter, and remote power window roll-up.
Prestige APS-250A
For a $50 premium, the mid-range Audiovox offers multiple functions, however just like its little brother, it lacks a battery back-up siren - but you can have this option for another $60. Significant features over the Prestige APS-25CL include a two channel receiver, anti-scan technology, 6-tone multi-tone siren, plug-in dual shock sensor and programmable door lock pulse duration.
Platinum APS-600
Just like the 25 and 250 models, Audiovox's range topper is available with or without battery back-up with costing running at $329 without and $399 with. It also packs a huge range of features, although it doesn't meet ASA approval. Extras over its cheaper brethren include a four-channel receiver, code hopping technology, 'custom code' programmable manual override, illuminated entry, remote boot and keyless entry.
CHEETAH
System 3
Offered with a lifetime warranty, Cheetah packages range from relatively inexpensive to bloody costly. The cheapest, the System 3, comes with the basics of twin button remote control, a high power siren, random code and anti-scan technology, visual and audible arm and disarm signals, shock sensor, panic, anti-hot wire engine immobilisation and window warning decals.
Powercop
This is the same as the System 3 but with battery back up.
Supercop
If you believe that the Supercop (what a silly name) offers absolute state-of-the-art security, you believe anything. But hey, we can only tell you with what the company claims! This said, it has true anti-scan technology (18,000 million billion code combinations), a sophisticated engine immobiliser, battery back up and window warning labels (amongst the traditional hardware). Oh yeah, it's also relatively expensive.
Pro-Stopper 5
Cheetah guarantee that the Pro-Stopper 5 is the world's highest security car alarm, and it comes with a pricing structure to suit. It even comes with a $1,000 theft guarantee which I guess may be some consolation if your car is pinched. It of course contains the traditional features of random code technology remotes, anti-scan technology, auto arming and locking, has a panic function, dual stage shock sensor, battery back-up, and comes with microwave sensors for the doors, boot, body and interior. More exciting is its ability to immobilise the fuel, ignition and starter! It even has a steel plated siren and get this, a hidden interior Pain Generator siren!
But for all of this, it still doesn't come with a boot release or central locking, and blue interior strobe lights are optional.
VISION
Multinational security is the name of the game with a company that produces a significant range of good quality, insurance and standards approved equipment.
VAE 318-2700
Very neat construction and appearance ensures Vision units stand out in a crowd, and you can also be assured they are feature packed. The range leading 318-2700 incorporates a two button code hopping programmable transmitter, there's a remote boot release, panic, auto arming, and re-arming, central locking output, seven sector sensing, error chirps, error sector isolation, dash mounted warning lamp, alarm history report, two stage immobilization, master override, all-black wiring and ultrasonic movement detection.
VAE 318-1800
One rung lower in the Vision hierarchy is the 1800, a unit offering all of the features needed for peace of mind, but without the fanfare of such things as seven sector protection. The same code hopping programmable transmitters are included, however it only has five sector protection, single stage immobilization, and lacks ultrasonics, black wiring (hence this model doesn't meet Australian standards) and a master override.
VAE 318-1600
The Data Communication Car Alarm is Vision's 'gun' system consisting of separate main control module, immobilisation module and siren. Communication is achieved via data code, and the system is designed to meet the highest of European and Australian standards. In addition to its unique individual component approach, it of course includes all of the features one would expect in a top line unit as well as a keyless data code siren with battery back up and a 40 amp dual stage immobilisation unit enclosed in epoxy resin with all-black wiring.
BRANT CORPORATION
This company produces 'niche' market immobiliser/alarm systems, specialising in performance vehicles such as Porsche and low volume Japanese turbo and sport imports. They are original equipment suppliers to Subaru in Australia and have had success with their WRX STi systems.
AA02A
The backbone of their range, the AA02A offers random code hopping remotes, triple engine immobilisation, protection against entry from doors, boot, bonnet and windows, a dual siren system and internal two stage impact sensors to prevent false alarms. Audible and silent arm/disarm signal, remote panic, passive immobilisation and automatic rearm and also featured.
NEMESIS
Hugely expensive - but targeted at the top end of performance cars - is the Nemesis. It's a take-no-prisoners device incorporating all of the traditional features along with an incredible six engine immobilisers, PIN remote entry, backup battery siren and internal cabin siren, a Hyperbright flashing red LED dash warning light and a lifetime warranty.
Brant prices start at $395 for a triple cut immobiliser whilst the least expensive alarm kicks off at $695.
PERSONAL ALARMS
BOOMERANG
Alpha-2000
The Boomerang system provides an alternative to the traditional alarm in that its remote control unit tells you exactly what is happening with your car, when you are up to 1.2 kilometres away! When an intrusion is attempted, either by impact or by opening a door, boot or bonnet, the remote illuminates its wide LCD screen, flashes graphic icons indicating the triggered point, emits a continuous loud beep and vibrates whilst the alarm/siren in the vehicle sounds and the blinkers flash.
At around $1100 fitted it's not cheap, however the advantages it offer are quite incredible. For example, when walking towards your vehicle and without even having to press a button, the doors unlock automatically, it has an inbuilt personal alarm, five personal alarm sounds, a temperature monitor advising the car's interior temperature, immediate or programmable remote engine starting, cold weather starting, automatic starting when the vehicle's battery runs low, and even a turbo timer function.
VISION
Pager
Similar to the Boomerang, Vision's compact pager can be accessed 900 metres from the vehicle, and when there is an intrusion, an audible alarm goes off along with a depiction of where the intrusion is taking place via a graphic of the vehicle. In fact, it even shows the wheels turning if the car is being driven away.
Transmitter Watch
Apart from telling the time, this watch has two remote control buttons. The buttons can be coded to any Vision code-hopping alarm and the owner can operate their alarm directly from the watch instead of the remote.
IMMOBILISERS
If you have nothing else, please get yourself a competent immobiliser. Designs vary, as do the ways in which a vehicle is immobilised. As many as six points can be employed, from immobilising the electric fuel pump, to the starter motor, engine management system, and battery. A top system can make life for even the most ardent car thief very difficult.
VISION
VAE 315-800 PREMIER-2
Similar to many alarm systems, the electronics of a quality immobiliser will contain almost interchangeable features. The Premier comes with a single button code hopping programmable transmitter, it is easily upgraded to full alarm status, offers hazard flashing, hot-wire alarm, auto arming, re-arming, arm/disarm chirps, two stage immobilisation, central door locking outputs, an audible warning and all-black wiring - amongst other things.
VAE 315-800 Base-2
Vision's base model immobiliser offers almost as many features but is quite a bit cheaper.
FLASHPOINT
FP774 Immobiliser
Spend around $395 and you receive a top quality immobiliser like the FP774. It differs from most others in that accessibility is almost non-existent thanks to an armoured metal box, irremovable screws and resin coating. Anti-tampering wiring is also used (black wires) as is an electronic key codified with 4.2 billion combinations. The triple immobiliser features, automatic activations, and self-learning key help to ensure thieves remain at bay.
TRANSMISSION LOCKS
The good old steering or club lock still has its place and is a definite deterrent, however innovation has paved the way for new locks for transmissions.
G'LUCK
This company offer a range of specially designed transmission lever locks that in an automatic transmission equipped vehicle, make it impossible to pull the lever from park to any other gear. Although the designs aren't what you would call aesthetically pleasing, they can be colour coded to at least not stand out like a sore thumb. The idea is good though.
QUIKTRAK
Developed in Australia with the assistance of British Aerospace, the QuickTrak system has become an almost instant worldwide success. Interestingly, whereas it is already in use in Mexico City, Istanbul and many other cities around the globe, in Australia it is only available in Sydney and Melbourne, however we're told that Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth will come on board perhaps by the time you read this. (And they have been saying that for years! - Ed)
So what is QuikTrak? It's a multi-facetted security network that not only tracks stolen cars with precision, but also offers immediate personal protection response for the occupants. Features are many and include a door intrusion alert, ignition tamper alert, low voltage and battery backup alert, passive arming engine immobiliser, tow alert and impact sensor, remote engine immobilisation which eliminates the need for high speed police chases, internal 105dB siren, hidden small internal aerial, rolling code radio arming/disarming and a personal duress alert.
The heart of the unit is advanced technology comparable to GPS but which is virtually immune to jamming or interference, is unaffected by weather, has more effective signal penetration in built up areas and is accurate to within 30 metres.
One would have to suggest that perhaps by combining this system with another form of immobilisation, that you would come very close to ensuring your car is not stolen. That a thief would need to work out that a vehicle has QuikTrak, then figure out how to disengage the system prior to the QuikTrak response Centre tracking the stolen vehicle, must make for lots of confidence.
www.quiktrak.com.au
www.visionalarms.com.au
www.incaroption.com.au (Boomerang)
www.brant.com.au
www.aztrading.com.au (Audiovox)
www.eurotech.com.au (Cheetah)
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