Jason Williams 
Here are a few ways you can secure your car.
Car Stealing Crisis
We have a major car theft issue in Jamaica and several parts of the world. According to data from the Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ), there were 957 stolen vehicle claims filed between January and September 2024, surpassing the total of 952 claims filed in all of 2023. This indicates a concerning rise in vehicle thefts in Jamaica. Thieves have especially gotten far more creative in the last couple of years. The merger of cars and technology has exacerbated this problem. Given the rise of this issue, we must be proactive in securing our vehicles. Just like a new house where you purchase security cameras, your vehicle must also be secured.
Steering Wheel Clamp
“If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it”
Steering Wheel locks are over 80 years old. They have helped to secure vehicles for a very long time. Even with all the fancy anti-theft technology that gets integrated into vehicles, nothing beats having physical security. The steering wheel lock is simple and it gets the job done. It works by attaching securely to your steering wheel, making it impossible to turn the wheel and drive the car until the lock is removed.
Technology Exploits have allowed thieves to lock/unlock modern vehicles relatively easily and then drive off as if they were the owners. The Steering Wheel Lock would dissuade a would be thief from stealing your car. Many thieves of today prefer an ‘easy, low difficulty’ theft.
Wheel Clamp
“Thief love easy pickings, like a door left wide open.”
A Wheel Clamp is a bigger, louder, and more extreme physical deterrent than a Steering Wheel Lock. Everyone passing by will be able to see the message that you are sending to a ‘would be thief’. This is recommended when you will be ‘away from your car’ for long periods. You could be going to bed or attending a very long event. The longer you are away from your car, the more time a thief will have to steal it. Some people clamp one wheel and feel secure, while others clamp all 4 and then walk away with a smile. Clamping all 4 wheels when going to sleep should allow you to rest without worry. Clamping 1 wheel at an event should put your mind at ease. Ultimately, it’s best to use your discretion regarding how many wheels you should clamp.
Faraday Pouch and Box
“Technology is a double-edged sword; it can either empower us or be turned against us, depending on how it’s used.”
Modern cars are susceptible to relay attacks. Car thieves use a relay attack to steal your car by capturing the wireless signal from your key fob, even if it’s inside your home. They use a device to pick up the signal and relay it to your car, tricking it into thinking the fob is nearby. This allows the thieves to unlock and start the car. A Faraday Pouch or Box prevents your car key signal so that it cannot be intercepted by thieves. After a long drive home, you can place your key fob into the Faraday Box and sleep well knowing your car is safe from relay attacks. While the Faraday Box is used at home, the pouch can be carried with you on the road.
Immobilizer & Tracker & Kill Switch
If your car gets stolen then you must ensure that you can either track it, immobilize it, or both. If you’re in the market for a car, you could seek one that already comes with a tracker and immobilizer. An Immobilizer works by using a chip embedded in your car key or key fob that communicates with the car’s engine control system. When you try to start the car, the immobilizer checks for the correct code from the key. If the code doesn’t match (or if no code is detected), the immobilizer blocks the engine from starting.
The car tracker is a GPS-based device installed in a vehicle to monitor its real-time location. It uses satellite signals to pinpoint the car’s position, which can be typically viewed through a smartphone app or website. An Apple Air Tag or Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag is a cheap way for you to track your vehicle. They use nearby iPhone or Samsung Galaxy devices to pinpoint the location of the tags. You can see your car’s location via an app on your phone(Find My Network for iPhones & Smart Things Find Network for Samsung). A tag could be easily hidden inside your vehicle. They are also great if you tend to lose your keys often.
Note Well: Apple AirTags only work with iPhones and other Apple devices through the Find My network. Galaxy SmartTags primarily works with Samsung Galaxy devices through the SmartThings app.
A kill switch is a security device that disables a critical component of your car, such as the ignition system or fuel pump, to prevent it from starting or running without your authorization. It is usually installed as a hidden switch or mechanism that you can manually activate or deactivate. When engaged, the kill switch interrupts the car’s electrical or fuel supply, effectively immobilizing the vehicle and making it much harder for a thief to steal. Because the switch is discreetly placed, it adds an extra layer of security, as a thief would need to find and bypass it to start the car.
Use Your Discretion
“Trust your gut; it knows what your mind hasn’t figured out yet.”
Always trust your gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right, you should either leave the location or find somewhere secure to park. Avoid parking on the side of the road if the event parking lot is full. Think about possible shuttle arrangements instead of driving to a packed event. Avoid places where car theft is rampant, for example, near the National Stadium.
“If you think the cost to secure your car is expensive then just consider the cost to replace it.”
It is recommended to use a combination of anti-theft tools to protect your vehicle. When buying a new car, ensure that you have these tools before it is handed over. A brand-new vehicle can be stolen. The Jamaica Observer reported a shocking incident where a 2025 Toyota Rav4 was stolen within 5 days of the purchase. As a nation, we must view the securing of our vehicles as a high priority. If you have a friend, family member, or colleague with a vehicle, then please share this article with them. It might save a lot of tears.
Note Well: The author uses affiliate links in this article. He may earn a commission from these links if you select and purchase items from them.
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