Date:         Mon, 23 Jun 2014 13:38:26 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Poll: Favorite anti-theft device?
In-Reply-To:  <CAGXJJtw6UC0Ux-YLW2HM21_GmrpCWURs8jQ__-HCNxdvba6g=w@mail.gmail.com>
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When the Seattle Police came to file the theft of my daughter in law's '96 Subaru, the cop told her that in 30 years he had only seen one car stolen with The Club installed.

I use it and an alarm with ignition interlock.  I also added power door locks at the same time. The alarm is primarily for deterring theft of the contents, and The Club + alarm theft of the vehicle.

It's all about making an easy car to steal not so easy. Because there are so many more opportunities for these jerks to steal a different old car in about 10 seconds, they will move on.  

That's all it takes to Slim Jim the door lock, hammer a big screwdriver (universal key) in the ignition switch and twist.  Off you go.  You can saw though the steering wheel to remove The Club, but most are not going to bother since it takes longer and looks suspicious.  Virtually all the Vanagons recently stolen here were recovered abandoned, often when the gas ran out or the battery went dead (as was the case with my DIL's car). 

The recent recovery documented on The Samba was unusual, especially since the thieves lived in the same neighborhood and were unloading loot while parked on the street less than a mile away. Not too bright.

That van lives on my block and it's not back yet, so I assume it's still in the shop, but I did advise the owner to get The Club.  I also hopes she gives the interior a thorough cleaning before she tries to enter Canada or ride a ferry with all the drug sniffing dogs patrolling those areas.

Stuart