I am kinda mixed about this. If it is true (and it sounds like it is) and "These devices have no legitimate purpose, apart from assisting in criminal activity", then I agree they should be banned and illegal to have in one's possession. But, this new law puts the onus on the person in possession of the device "to show they had it for a legitimate purpose". One of the foundations of criminal law (at least in "free" societies) is the "presumption of innocence" and the onus is on the prosecution to prove guilt, not the accused to prove their innocence. Maybe there should be stricter requirements put on the auto makers to stop making their cars so easy to steal. It seems to me it would be worth it to the insurance companies to invest in theft prevention by working with the car makers to come up with better solutions. Just a thought.
If it costs them money don't hold your breath. All most big companies care about is filling their stock holders and executives pockets.
Yes, it costs the car makers more money, but it would cost insurance makers less if cars were not stolen. That's why I suggested they could help with the investments. But also, I know of several people who won't buy Kias or Hyundais because they were so easy to steal.
Drive a 'standard' and put a security clasp over the steering wheel. I agree with Bill though. The Ins companies should step up and work with the car companies.
Well, a standard transmission might help if parked still in gear. But a steering wheel lock can help with an automatic too. That said, some car thieves use a tow truck to just lift the drive wheels off the ground. Then they take the stolen car to a "chop shop" where they can cut the steering wheel lock off at their leisure. LoJack in every car could help too. What we really need is the authorities in countries like Russia, China, UAE, Iraq to step and stop the importing of these cars. I suspect that won't happen as long as the Chief of Police is waiting for his stolen Bentley to arrive.
LoJack is a stolen vehicle recovery system that is installed in vehicles to help locate and recover them if they are stolen. Does nothing in the "prevention" field. My answer here is the same as it is in many security topics - convenience always wins over security.
The first part is effective. The second part, I have seen video of those removed in under 10 seconds.
I disagree. I know what LoJack is and it can act as a deterrent when bad guys know a car has it. It is like putting an ADT sign, or "Security Cameras in Use" signs in your front yard. And if it becomes common knowledge that all cars have it, thefts in general should decrease significantly. Sure, nothing will stop a determined professional backed by a sophisticated crime organization from stealing your Rolls - "IF" they want it. But it will deter most others looking for drug money. I also note that LoJack (and similar services) will "call home" when motion is detected, or at the sound of breaking glass, or when the door is opened or the car started when a specific, "paired" key fob is not nearby. As for standard transmissions, there's no evidence they are more effective at preventing theft. The issue is simply (mainly in the US) that car thieves are dumb and have zero experience driving a manual transmission car. This is because only 4% of cars sold in the US have manual transmissions. They just don't know how to work the clutch and shift gears! In Europe and elsewhere, it is a different story as manual transmissions are much more common. In those parts of the world, studies have shown thefts of auto and manual transmission cars are about equal. Sadly, these dummies don't look first to see what type transmission you have before they smash your window. Do Manual Transmissions Really Deter Thieves From Stealing Your Car?
There are multiple instances of failed carjackings because of a manual transmission. Probably not a huge number but it's a win when it happens. Teens try carjacking man, end up unable to drive manual transmission: police | WFLA
