Hi everyone, New member here looking at purchasing a PFL RS3 in the coming months, My only concern is these story's of people breaking in and threatening for keys! Obviously the right security helps but i'd be keeping the car on the drive if i decide to go for it. Looking at a floor mounted post in front of the car, Steering wheel lock, an alarm loud enough to wake the whole road up and as a last resort an AWG. Basically im asking have that many people really had trouble or is it just the few story's that crop up sound bad enough to give the car that 'tag' of attracting trouble? There's not really any other car out there that ticks as many boxes for the price, but if it makes the house a target i think i'd have to pass on it unfortunately! Any feedback appreciated!
Car security concerns?
- Thread starter Liam Morris
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I haven't had anyone try steal mine.
If they want it though they'll take it. Posts, alarms, steering locks can all be overcome if enough violence is used.
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Visual deterrents will help fend off opportunists.
Stop lock pro is a must.
CCTV and light sensors.
Keyfob in tin foil and faraday pouch will help fend off hacking.
The bollards will make sure that anyone who really wants your car has to enter your home.
Stop lock pro is a must.
CCTV and light sensors.
Keyfob in tin foil and faraday pouch will help fend off hacking.
The bollards will make sure that anyone who really wants your car has to enter your home.
Unless his car isn't keyless. Which I'd prefer. Reckon only the extreme baddies will come in your house.
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Glad to hear yours has been fine!
I imagine where you are in the country plays a role as well and on the grand scheme of things i suppose as many S3's and Golf R's go missing as RS3's do as they're more available.
If you don't mind me asking what sort of region are you based in mate? (not after specifics, just north/south ect will suffice), i see more story's of them going missing up north.
Only way to find out is to just buy one and see if anything comes of it i suppose.
I imagine where you are in the country plays a role as well and on the grand scheme of things i suppose as many S3's and Golf R's go missing as RS3's do as they're more available.
If you don't mind me asking what sort of region are you based in mate? (not after specifics, just north/south ect will suffice), i see more story's of them going missing up north.
Only way to find out is to just buy one and see if anything comes of it i suppose.
North west mate. Blackburn.Glad to hear yours has been fine!
I imagine where you are in the country plays a role as well and on the grand scheme of things i suppose as many S3's and Golf R's go missing as RS3's do as they're more available.
If you don't mind me asking what sort of region are you based in mate? (not after specifics, just north/south ect will suffice), i see more story's of them going missing up north.
Only way to find out is to just buy one and see if anything comes of it i suppose.
Mostly drug dealers and smack heads here. Don't hear of car theft really.
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That's good to hear, Do you think the posts are possibly doing the opposite job in giving them more reason to Enter the house if they really want it?
I'd try to steer clear of Keyless but if the right car came up and had it then i'd just have to take appropriate measures with the Pouch ect to deal with that or even look to disable it if possible as im not bothered for that keyless malarkey. Cheers for the input guys!
I think it’s dependent on where you live . I have never had any issues with high value cars in South London . Some other parts of the UK maybe it’s not worth the hassle . Only you know your local situation.
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The security posts will make sure your car cannot be taken unless they have a lifter or get the keys from your home.
If you go this route, I would make sure your house alarm is on at night and monitored if possible.
Ahh, was in Blackburn a few weeks back, seemed fine when i was there but didn't exactly explore the place but i suppose you don't know the place till you're there everyday.
That's a fair point, think i'll keep clear of the post then, would be nicer for it to be an in and out job rather then needing a second key should the day ever come! Insurance and GAP Insurance are there for a reason at the end of the day.
Exactly mate.
The steering lock will do enough to stop the window lookers from graduating to “professionals”
Stoplock pro the best about? Price isnt the biggest concern when security of the car is in question. Cheers
It gets the best ratings for steering locks in that it would take 5mins + to remove.
Only £50 in Halfords.
Yeah, Locks will be upgraded, after a quick look i expected them to be more money then they actually are so car or no car its a change that will be made! And We recently invested in a ring doorbell which i though was gimmicky at first but upon actually seeing it is surprisingly good so CCTV and motion sensing flood lights will be next on the agenda!
And to be fair ANY car can be targeted, several neighbors have nice motors and not had no trouble (M4, Alfa 4c and a Ferrari F430 which only seems to come out after 9PM!). Life is too short so think i'll be getting the car, if it's nicked replace or buy different. Shouldn't have to give up the stuff you want over fears of someone taking it!
It seems so, the sound does put a smile on your face as it goes past letting everyone know as he goes! Even if it wakes up people who have hit the hay early!Wow a Knight Rider
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I had an attempted theft when I had my PFL car around 18months ago. Luckily I heard them trying to break in through the front door and got up to investigate. By the time I put some tracksuit bottoms on and made my way downstairs they had broken into my neighbours house took his keys and stole his V8 BMW convertible.
I immediately reviewed the security of my house and anti-theft measures for the car.
1. Any window door or panel that could be opened has an alarm sensor fitted which gets armed when I go to bed each night. LED'S flash to visually show they are alarmed.
2. Added good old fashioned sliding bolts to front and back entrance doors (top and bottom)
3. All locks were upgraded to latest high security spec - not cheap, especially getting spare keys cut
4. Replace any aluminum external door handles with steel ones. Alloy ones can be ripped off in seconds with grips and exposes the door lock which can be easily snapped off and pushed through (see item 3 above)
5. I have a 'Special surprise' which is kept under the bed in case 1 to 4 above is not good enough. And no it doesn't take batteries and vibrates lol!!
6. I now have a dog...... barks when she hears any movement outside the house at night.
Note: CCTV does not deter thieves. This is proven by the amount of videos on Youtube showing car theft that is filmed on CCTV. They just wear hoodies.
As for the car......
1. I moved the OBD port. Its not so common now but can be used to key clone if the car if broken into.
2. The car has an immobiliser and cannot be started even if you have the key unless you know how to disable it.
3. I fit a DiskLok to the steering wheel when not using the car. If you have an immobiliser a thief will not know until they have attempted to steal the car which means they have got your keys. The Disklok is one of the better physical deterrents and can be visually seen before breaking into your house.
4. I leave all keys in a sealed metal box each night. This stops key scanning from the outside of your house.
As for forced violent theft.......it's only a car and not worth dying for. Let them have it and claim the insurance. I have GAP insurance.
I immediately reviewed the security of my house and anti-theft measures for the car.
1. Any window door or panel that could be opened has an alarm sensor fitted which gets armed when I go to bed each night. LED'S flash to visually show they are alarmed.
2. Added good old fashioned sliding bolts to front and back entrance doors (top and bottom)
3. All locks were upgraded to latest high security spec - not cheap, especially getting spare keys cut
4. Replace any aluminum external door handles with steel ones. Alloy ones can be ripped off in seconds with grips and exposes the door lock which can be easily snapped off and pushed through (see item 3 above)
5. I have a 'Special surprise' which is kept under the bed in case 1 to 4 above is not good enough. And no it doesn't take batteries and vibrates lol!!
6. I now have a dog...... barks when she hears any movement outside the house at night.
Note: CCTV does not deter thieves. This is proven by the amount of videos on Youtube showing car theft that is filmed on CCTV. They just wear hoodies.
As for the car......
1. I moved the OBD port. Its not so common now but can be used to key clone if the car if broken into.
2. The car has an immobiliser and cannot be started even if you have the key unless you know how to disable it.
3. I fit a DiskLok to the steering wheel when not using the car. If you have an immobiliser a thief will not know until they have attempted to steal the car which means they have got your keys. The Disklok is one of the better physical deterrents and can be visually seen before breaking into your house.
4. I leave all keys in a sealed metal box each night. This stops key scanning from the outside of your house.
As for forced violent theft.......it's only a car and not worth dying for. Let them have it and claim the insurance. I have GAP insurance.
Glad you got to keep the car despite the bills to repair any damage to your house!
I think a Dog is the #1 Deterrent imo but with everyone at the house working all day it would be unfair to leave it as well as our cats HATING dogs
Alarmed doors and windows is a good idea, luckily we don't really have any openable windows that you could fit anything bigger then a Xbox through and theyre not near to any doors or key safe so that should be OK touch wood! And yeah, as soon as they're in the house Keys get handed over no question, Can't replace family! (pets included)
A little home improvement to accompany a new car is in order in the coming months i believe
Ja5on
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I bought a faraday box for the spare key which is hidden and a faraday pouch for the main key. I live in a block of flats so not overly concerned key signal repeaters.
I was keen on getting a Ghost Autowatch but then the subject of it effecting the warranty came up which I think is ridiculous to be honest as I think its a better option than any tracker.
End of the days its a car, if someone wants to take it they will find a way. Cars can be replaced, that's why we have insurance and GAP.
I was keen on getting a Ghost Autowatch but then the subject of it effecting the warranty came up which I think is ridiculous to be honest as I think its a better option than any tracker.
End of the days its a car, if someone wants to take it they will find a way. Cars can be replaced, that's why we have insurance and GAP.
I have made a point of telling Audi about the AWG and no issues with warranty arose, they understand why owners choose to fit them.
A dog is probably the best out of all of those. I used to follow a load of car criminals on Instagram and any house they went to that had a dog, they'd leave immediately. Even if the dogs bark suggested it was a small dog.
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Since we have had the dog we have had a few instances where she has started barking at 1.00am. I have got up to take a look outside but have not seen anyone. However, the neighbour across the street has had a messy divorce and is having trouble with her ex damaging her property. When she checked her security cameras sure enough there he was skulking about in the dark. Dog must have heard him. Neighbour is getting a dog now (and a restraining order)!!
Because a lot of people have increased their home security, thieves are resorting to car hijacking. They target a car parked in the local supermarket or retail park and then just follow you home. You roll up in your drive and as you get out a guy in a hoodie appears with a knife. Best just hand over the keys and let them have it. If you have a top spec immobiliser fitted that cuts out the engine a few miles down the road you may get the car back. Even trackers get quickly removed or disabled these days.
House alarm should be the 100% main thing you get especially a monitored one, it avoids any chance of you being woken up with a knife to your throat. You WILL be awake before anyone got to you. It will not stop people getting in that want the car, but it will make them 100% aware they're not getting in unannounced.
Other measures like Stoplock PRO, Ghost and CCTV with motion alerts are a sure thing, and a dog and any other hidden goodies can help. You can use reasonable force against an intruder (this means you get one smack at them with a weapon - so make it a good one)
CCTV yes they will just wear hoodies, but if you have notifications on your phone and already know they are there, this will put a lot of people off as you could be hiding tooled up in the house waiting for them with the police called before they even touch your door/window.
I would 100% stay well away from the bollard people that target these cars are organised, not just door lock testers, they will follow you and see your routine, if they see you lock a bollard each night they will likely just sneak up on you as you're doing it and crack you over the head, they then have no bollard, and the keys ready to go!
The reality is as so many say, cars are insured and life is more important, if someone really wants it it is not worth your life and let them have it, some of us with GAP would actually be better off in the end!
But it is about making it as difficult as possible so that 99% of the scumbags would go onto the next house and leave you be.
Other measures like Stoplock PRO, Ghost and CCTV with motion alerts are a sure thing, and a dog and any other hidden goodies can help. You can use reasonable force against an intruder (this means you get one smack at them with a weapon - so make it a good one)
CCTV yes they will just wear hoodies, but if you have notifications on your phone and already know they are there, this will put a lot of people off as you could be hiding tooled up in the house waiting for them with the police called before they even touch your door/window.
I would 100% stay well away from the bollard people that target these cars are organised, not just door lock testers, they will follow you and see your routine, if they see you lock a bollard each night they will likely just sneak up on you as you're doing it and crack you over the head, they then have no bollard, and the keys ready to go!
The reality is as so many say, cars are insured and life is more important, if someone really wants it it is not worth your life and let them have it, some of us with GAP would actually be better off in the end!
But it is about making it as difficult as possible so that 99% of the scumbags would go onto the next house and leave you be.
This is also very true, if you have a car you don't recognise that seems to be following just do a few strange things like all the way around a roundabout a couple of times or turning down a street and going back on yourself, things that no one else would naturally do. Also pull up at home and keep doors locked and have a quick scout around, there are things you can do to try to prevent this but the reality again is, it is not worth it and sometimes there really is nothing you can do.
I thought along the same lines before I took delivery of mine in September but decided that you can't cover all eventualities and therefore just upgraded the house locks and had a Ghost fitted. I believe that the Ghost is on the verge of getting insurance industry recognition - that's what my fitter told me..
The general feeling here seems to be get it and if it happens then it happens, Time to start looking for a motor properly I think!
Has anyone here ever seen issues where people cant shift cars because of Retro fits? Theres an Rs in Watford with a Facelift Steering wheel retro fitted to a 2015 car and despite looking for a hefty price they've had it since January! Does taking the cars away from factory spec outside of normal mods like power and splitters/diffusers/skirts really put of that many people?
Has anyone here ever seen issues where people cant shift cars because of Retro fits? Theres an Rs in Watford with a Facelift Steering wheel retro fitted to a 2015 car and despite looking for a hefty price they've had it since January! Does taking the cars away from factory spec outside of normal mods like power and splitters/diffusers/skirts really put of that many people?
Yes.
I have found mods & retrofits can put some buyers off completely.
Hence a lot of sellers put their cars back to stock beforehand.
there’s a garage close to me selling a 2012 750bhp M5 for over a year and they have dropped the selling price by over 12k in that time, still hasn’t sold.
I have found mods & retrofits can put some buyers off completely.
Hence a lot of sellers put their cars back to stock beforehand.
there’s a garage close to me selling a 2012 750bhp M5 for over a year and they have dropped the selling price by over 12k in that time, still hasn’t sold.
Unless I knew who had completed the work then I wouldn’t . Plenty of unmodded cars about .
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Avoid cars like the one you describe......
You don't know who did the retro-fit and whether it was done correctly, a FL steering wheel into a PFL car needs to be done properly, sadly there are far too many that will bodge a job like that, especially where an airbags involved.
Plenty of good examples around if you are prepared to move quickly when they become available.
Agree on the dog, ours barks the minute he senses anyone near the house, great for trick or treaters
Ghost is great, so much piece of mind.
I've buried a Tracker in mine also.........
Ja5on
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I told the audi dealer who I was buying from I was going to fit one after they kept suggesting tracker. The response I got was it would invalidate warranty.
If Audi supplied a letter saying they were happy with AWG fitted then great. But if not I'm not sure I could be bothered with the dealer hassle if something was to go wrong.
