Like the saying goes, you can run but you can't hide. From vehicle theft, that is. It is foolish to think that it won't happen to you and only happens to others. In 2006, a total of 43,683 vehicles were stolen, averaging 119 daily. A total of RM658.21 million was paid out. Just this year, Federal CID director Datuk Christopher Wan reported that the crime rate was up by 28 per cent from Jan to May.
Car thieves must have some knowledge of the mechanics of vehicle security. There are three categories:
Professional syndicatesThese guys are the crème de la crème as they take the effort to study the weakness of the security. Once the ‘contract' is out for a certain make, they do their homework where they may find these cars. There was once a case where 10 units of particular make were stolen in one area. It takes 2-3 minutes to override your system and you don't even have a chance to say goodbye to your car. The syndicates have everything in place as to who their customers are to dispose of the stolen vehicles. In one case, the syndicate consisted of locksmiths, alarm technicians, used car retailers, ‘chop' shops and logistics exporters.
Contract thieves
These guys know of the ‘contract' for a particular make and they scout around for the car. Once the target is sighted, they take about the same time as the syndicate guys. They then dispose of the vehicle via the syndicate.
‘Brawn' thieves
These guys are the fierce bunch of the lot as they resort to carjacking.
They use force as there are some cars that they can't steal. The security system is tied to the overall electrical system of the car.
The override chip is in the key itself and if the system doesn't see this chip, it won't start. Therefore it is almost impossible to steal. Normally high end cars have this type of system.
We all know that in the event of a carjacking, it is a perilous situation. We have heard of injuries, fatalities and children driven away. Besides the physical injury which might heal over time, the trauma might take time to get over.
These are the places that the police consider high theft areas.
It is from Bandar Utama all the way to USJ Subang.
Even new places like Damansara Perdana are not spared.
The police have increased patrols and are working with the security of popular shopping malls and complexes to reduce car theft.
However, car thefts can happen anywhere as from time to time, the syndicates shift their focus on target areas. So don't think it happens only in certain areas. Be responsible and safeguard your possessions.
Once you overcome the shock, you will be dealing with the painful aftermath. Besides the many hours you will spend making a police report, you will have to continue making your monthly financial repayments as that is your responsibility to the bank.
You will then have to figure out how to get to work. You still have to feed your family and your financial requirements. You have to find other means to get about your business. Obviously you would be claiming your insurance for the loss and you will lose your NCB. All in all, you will be losing a fair bit.
What you get as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) security system for your new car offers low security features.
The thieves know the exact location of your alarm module and they simply unplug it and your vehicle is rendered defenceless. Some of the models don't even have a shock sensor to deter window breakages.
One popular Japanese make uses an internationally recognised security system but it does not fully follow installation standards.
This vendor has no choice as it has to use sockets for easy assembly. The thieves are aware of this weakness. One of our national car companies has this internationally recognised system with proper installation but on its export models only.
Why can't Malaysians have proper installation of security system for their cars?
The next sad part is when you fit any after market system to prevent yourself from falling into this predicament, the factory does not extend the warranty. It claims that you have compromised and tampered with its electrical system.
Caught between the devil (car theft) and the deep blue sea (factory warranty), the thing is to exercise caution as to where to park.
Use your common sense in determining the parking spot - park in a busy spot rather than in a quiet bay, in bright light rather than in a dark place.
Remember to lock your doors. Don't tempt petty thieves by leaving expensive looking bags and equipment in plain sight on the seat.
