[bigdaddy812]

In college I drove a red CJ 1973 that was doorless....only rag top. I used the "bar" for about 2 days then it became too burdensome for me to keep locking it up. Who'd want a 73 rusty Jeep anyways? Recently I purchased a more modestly attractive 2006 Wrangler and has lots of nice xtras.

Initially, I made the mistake of locking my doors all the time. Eventually an "a hole" tore into my softtop and stole a few items from me. Now I do not keep anything of value in it but doors are left unlocked. I have read multiple post about Jeeps being targeted for theft for their parts and to export to other countries. I love my Jeep and although insured, I would not want to lose it hence my questions here....

What is the best method to deter theft and/or protect one's prized wheels? Alarms seem too easy to defuse by professionals. The bar is simply too annoying to put on and off....are GPS registries worth the risk/money? Killswitches?

I would greatly appreciate guidance from the Jeep veterans who know what has worked for them and their friends. Thanks in advance.

[JeepNWilly]

I just have a cheap alarm with a motion/proximity sensor that will warn anyone when theh get close to the Jeep. If they get too close or reach inside it will go off and it has a starter kill switch also.

[bigdaddy812]

JeepNWilly, on 26 June 2011 - 06:19 AM, said:

I just have a cheap alarm with a motion/proximity sensor that will warn anyone when theh get close to the Jeep. If they get too close or reach inside it will go off and it has a starter kill switch also.

what model/make? and price?... sounds like a good option... thanks for the tip..

[JeepNWilly]

I think it is a K-9 with the proximity sensor inPlace of the shock sensor. It was around 100 if I remember. I have had it for a few years now.

[nero004]

a good alarm from DEI such a viper or clifford with a proximity sensor and a tilt sensor to help against towing and wheel theft works great.

[SeaMonkey]

Ah yes, wonderful Miami. I've lived in my house in Miami for 5 months now and have had my Jeep broken into 3 times. The latest was last night and they walked away with my stereo on the first night in a long time that I forgot to remove it.

It's getting to the point where I'm thinking of trading for an old Hyundai or something.

[JeepNWilly]

I am sorry to hear that. I leave nothing in my Jeep and never lock it to prevent any damage even though I have had my top slashed once. It sucks but it is not just Miami and not just Jeeps it is everywhere. 2 or 3 weeks ago my cousin's Pharmacy here in West Palm Beach was broken into at 3AM. They broke the door and went in. Did not care that the alarm was going off and that there were cameras.

[92SquareEye]

sorry to hear, Jorge...

[BlackOpsPete]

I keep all my important stuff, tools and stereo face in my Tuffy center console. Quick and easy with a key lock. Looks good too.

I'm thinking of an alarm too.

[1BadCJ5]

I just came up with a trick ignition kill. Since my '73 CJ5 is totally open for everyone to see I used a latching relay with a magnetic reed switch. It interupts the ignition circuit going to the coil. By using a magnet you touch the reed switch and it completes the circuit and the engine will start. Touch the magnet again and the ignition is diabled. Also by connecting the power wire for the relay to the ignition on position you have to turn the ignition on, touch the magnet and then it will start.
Unfortunetly it's pretty easy to get to the ignition switch wiring behind the dash on any open Jeep. I'm installing a plate on the bottom lip of the dash. It will be attached to the firewall with thru bolts so that you have to open the hood to remove the nuts. Bottom line is they want bad enough they'll get it but for the amature crook if you make it so they have to work at it they'll hopefully leave alone.
If anybody wants any help give me a call at 954.290.1957. Ask for Russ

[Livefree]

Move that's why we moved back to Ocala? Good luck

[SeaMonkey]

JeepNWilly, on 19 August 2011 - 08:07 AM, said:

I am sorry to hear that. I leave nothing in my Jeep and never lock it to prevent any damage even though I have had my top slashed once. It sucks but it is not just Miami and not just Jeeps it is everywhere. 2 or 3 weeks ago my cousin's Pharmacy here in West Palm Beach was broken into at 3AM. They broke the door and went in. Did not care that the alarm was going off and that there were cameras.

Oh, I never leave anything in it either, and I used to leave doors unlocked for the same reason. The first 2 times, they walked off with a grand total of about $3 and a pair of cheap sunglasses (they ignored the radio the first time).

These guys knew to unzip the window. Heck, when I came outside this morning, my windows were closed and the doors locked.

It's the lack of respect that bothers me the most. I work hard for my s###, just to have some coward thief mess with it in the middle of the night.