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by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to inquire about writing services

It is becoming more difficult to steal vehicles these days. The proliferation of theft deterrent devices as well as recovery systems makes this type of theft almost passé.  The one draw still remains, however, and that is the fact that vehicles are among the most expensive items that give a solid return when stolen, parted-out and sold on the black market.

Which is the better approach to take, then in attempts to stop vehicle theft?  Prevention or recovery?  The answer might surprise you:  BOTH are equally as important.  This is a bold statement to make because it suggests that one method is not better than the others and hence, the products that are used in each are on equal footing.  That is not entirely true, but what is true is that when taken together, all of the products that fit in these methods are a strong deterrent.

Prevention Makes Inroads We have had OEM theft deterrent devices installed on vehicles for years now.  And thieves have developed the methods of bypassing and defeating them.  Even so, they still serve a purpose and create a problem for thieves and so they have their place.  The newest methods involve the use of GPS Navigation units that can do several things.  First is the locating of the vehicle no matter where it is going.  Next is in disabling the vehicle and making it impossible to move under its own power.  The one downside is that this can be defeated by cutting the power from the battery, however.  And if this method is employed along with the towing of a stolen car, instead of driving it away, the thieves plan can be successful.

Then, there are the aftermarket products that attempt to dissuade car thieves by inconveniencing them even more.  There is still merit to the hidden “kill” switch which is activated when the vehicle is parked.  This prevents the ignition from activating which renders the vehicle un-start able.  But, with today’s complicated and expensive vehicles, this is not always a preferred theft deterrent system.

Recovery Moves Ahead The installation and use of GPS Tracking devices in the recovery of vehicle thefts is becoming a major area of focus.  Not only by owners of the vehicles, but also by insurance companies as well.  Consider that these aftermarket devices offer real-time tracking of a vehicle – even when the cable to the battery has been cut.  Also, the device can be hidden so well that it is too late to realize its location before police are sent looking for the stolen car.

Prevention and recovery are both needed and are working in tandem to help lower vehicle thefts in a major way.  Being a wise owner means looking for ways to implement these devices to help you keep what is yours.