The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that since around 1998, many auto manufacturers began installing anti-theft automotive technology, and by doing so, auto theft has dropped significantly since that time.
However, the NICB still recommends installing, at the very least, a basic auto alarm system to help curb car thieves.
In my view, a basic auto alarm system is a helpful audible anti-theft device, however, many car thieves are familiar with how most auto alarm systems work, and the more experienced car thieves actually know how to disable an auto alarm system.
Therefore, along with a basic auto alarm system, it might be helpful to include one or two additional visible anti-theft devices, such as a steering wheel lock, brake pedal lock, or a steering wheel collar.
REMEMBER: Protecting your vehicle in layers is all about making it harder for a car thief to break into and steal your vehicle, and by combining Audible and Visual Anti-Theft Devices, you are implementing a big part of layered protection.
A combination of Audible and/or Visual Anti-Theft Devices are very effective in discouraging a car thief, because car thieves are cowards, and car thieves prefer to work quickly and quietly and would rather not attract attention due to a blaring auto alarm system, and car thieves would rather not hassle with removing auto locking mechanisms.
Most times, if a car thief hears a high pitch chirping sound emitting from your vehicle and ‘sees’ a flashing/blinking light on your dash or a steering wheel lock, most likely, the car thief will know that this particular vehicle is armed with multiple layers of anti-theft protection devices, and most likely, will move on to an easier target.
Remember, the more layers of protection a car thief has to go through to steal your car or truck, the more likely the car thief will move on to another vehicle.
Click Here for a full list of my recommended Audible and Visual Anti-Theft Devices.