Stripped Fred update - security for a Micra k11 and incoming car

[stripped fred]

I've not posted for a while but I still follow on here. I've got three cars on the street, and the wife has the drive of course,  and I mostly work from home so I obviously, by normal standards, need to sell one as they are costing a lot to tax. Instead, I have just agreed to buy another. It's a 2001 Audi TT quattro roadster bought for not much as it has no MOT having been stored, under cover, for the last two years due to not being used. It is from a friend of a friend.

I live in Leicester and the area is not too bad and so far I have been lucky with no break ins on my cars. Now the roadster is coming I was thinking about security as it is a soft top. Am likely to get it scratched or the roof damaged? I tend to not worry as there is no point but I will clear out a garage I rent, currently full of old furniture, and put it in there as it's only 5 mins away. 

Anyway, I walked past the Micra today (anyone remember this on here?) and noticed the door slightly ajar. Thinking I had been forgetful, which is quite common, and had not locked it I realised that the lock had been forced. Inside, I was expecting smashed plastic everywhere but none, just an open glovebox with my Neil Young cd and an old Navman satnav still in there. The key wouldn't turn in the lock initially but it after a bit of persuading I got it to work so I could lock it.

So, what to do. I have a stop lock on but I think they were just after money/valuables. I had someone last month knocking on the door asking to buy it and he looked a bit ropey, so I would like to reduce the chances of any more intrusions. Would people recommend a tracker, or an alarm, or an immobiliser, although I think it already has a NATS system? I know it's not worth a lot but it is starting to attract attention and I want to preserve it as it's pretty original. I will look to getting the door fixed when I can and just knock the sharp edge back in the meantime.

In relation to the TT, I really don't need a convertible car and I think I may look a tit driving it but I just can't resist. It's the thought of a turbo petrol engine, which I've never had, and the 4wd intrigues me although I realise it's of no real benefit most of the time as it's a part time system. The big test will be in the wife likes it! She won't go in my MR2 as it's too 'bumpy' and 'noisy'.

I should sell my Jaguar S type but I drove it today and it feels so good but I can't really justify the tax as it's £415 a year, the same as the Audi. I've got both the Jag and the Audi booked in for MOT's next week.

I will try and post my car experiences on here for everyone's amusement.

[stripped fred]

Any advice on security for older cars?

[stripped fred]

21 minutes ago, stripped fred said:

Any advice on security for older cars?

A local company quoted £150 + £30 a year for a tracker that has an app. They told me it was their own design so no brand name, which was weird. They don't really do alarms now, but the one they quoted for an older car was £400.

[stripped fred]

Does anyone have any advice for me before my post disappears off the bottom?

[mercedade]

22 minutes ago, stripped fred said:

Does anyone have any advice for me before my post disappears off the bottom?

Realistically, it's probably only a Disklok that's going to make sure the car is still there when you come back to it.

Everything else (ie an aftermarket immobiliser that actually works) is either going to be ££££, or non-existent.

[mk2_craig]

20 hours ago, stripped fred said:

I live in Leicester

I did too back in 2007 and the mirrors got kicked off my 1986 Fiesta, I concluded that it had probably got to the age where it was now an uncommon sight and therefore too conspicuous when parked at the kerbside so likely to draw attention. Especially as it was in that very of-its-era lilac blue and possibly the last car of that colour on the road in the city. I found a lock-up for £6 a week, but moved away shortly afterwards and took the car with me. 

[stripped fred]

51 minutes ago, mercedade said:

Realistically, it's probably only a Disklok that's going to make sure the car is still there when you come back to it.

Everything else (ie an aftermarket immobiliser that actually works) is either going to be ££££, or non-existent.

That's a good point, thank you. I have the stop lock but I don't think they are that secure. I will order one. I did have a look and you can pick up a second-hand one for around £60.

[stripped fred]

13 minutes ago, mk2_craig said:

I did too back in 2007 and the mirrors got kicked off my 1986 Fiesta, I concluded that it had probably got to the age where it was now an uncommon sight and therefore too conspicuous when parked at the kerbside so likely to draw attention. Especially as it was in that very of-its-era lilac blue and possibly the last car of that colour on the road in the city. I found a lock-up for £6 a week, but moved away shortly afterwards and took the car with me. 

That's my thoughts too. Although not a valuable car it stands out when parked next to the moderns. Like a lot on here, I need more storage space!

[Lord Sterling]

Big steering wheel disk lock.

On the plus side; they are a great and cheap deterrent for any passing joy riders looking for something cheap and easy to steal. And whilst it does have NATS immobiliser, the system is quite old and can, by now, probably be bypassed quite easily and quickly.

Negatives; it's big and bulky. If you're planning (or not) on carrying 3 or more passengers, you might need to lock the disk lock in the boot. It also won't deter anyone just wanting to check your car out for valuables such as loose change, although it again, it can show that you are least security conscious so possibly won't be keeping valuables in the car.

[castros_bro]

I've sort have got a K11, moved it after 4 years of it sitting in a garage to get ready for MOT, next morning owner got in to take for MOT and it wouldn't move just made a grinding noise. Some scrote had stolen one of the front wheels over night. I have previously fitted a thing like in the link below, it is well hidden so takes a bit of thought and time and is not obvious if the bonnet is open.  I did look at trackers and was even asked to fit some (into carbon fiber bicycle frames) but having had stuff stolen and vandalized previously it seemed better to have it not moving from where it's parked rather then knowing where your crashed burnt out vehicle is.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296671466278?_skw=car+immobiliser&itmmeta=01J9X74CBPM2QQ937T2F5GYD2M&hash=item4512ff5326:g:LB8AAOSwKZlm18nh&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlF4aiZXxzFnFdasAZQ43TzGEm5KDEpkM7frXQKVp0cLa1O4wiRjD185VxHlH9oUYXpLIMVriun0dQ%2BwGiFD7%2F1Unf%2FNh0bjr3PTz1kwVKzro0F7AtAej0%2BHuoPRikWdEaMHtfqwiYkdx6YwrB%2Bh%2Bfjw4pFsoczvUoXWgqSohs%2BukubxPD63J6pKx3HT%2BUOIaBuTKe1WwrIxGJIoZueb07zZl6k7Y%2B%2FkRM4Q4K0girpfxHKLkVOIU66DVPmMxdfuWJSln2EKXOE1pWI9FVUzSzvjNiZxIoUN6HBiSPEZ5z3Ow%3D%3D|tkp%3ABFBMzsaRp89k

[captain_70s]

See if there is something ignition related you can easily remove/disconnect to render it immobile. The average joy rider is unlikely to have spare bits on hand, or want to fuck about under the bonnet trying to get it going.

I'd chuck a steering wheel lock on it and not bother locking the doors. If somebody is looking for valuables they'll just break the lock or smash a window. It's easier to just let them in for a rummage and avoid the damage...

[MikeR]

47 minutes ago, captain_70s said:

See if there is something ignition related you can easily remove/disconnect to render it immobile. The average joy rider is unlikely to have spare bits on hand, or want to fuck about under the bonnet trying to get it going.

I'd chuck a steering wheel lock on it and not bother locking the doors. If somebody is looking for valuables they'll just break the lock or smash a window. It's easier to just let them in for a rummage and avoid the damage...

Take the battery out , charge it , put back in when required ..... Not many people carry a spare battery around ... 

[stripped fred]

5 hours ago, Lord Sterling said:

Big steering wheel disk lock.

On the plus side; they are a great and cheap deterrent for any passing joy riders looking for something cheap and easy to steal. And whilst it does have NATS immobiliser, the system is quite old and can, by now, probably be bypassed quite easily and quickly.

Negatives; it's big and bulky. If you're planning (or not) on carrying 3 or more passengers, you might need to lock the disk lock in the boot. It also won't deter anyone just wanting to check your car out for valuables such as loose change, although it again, it can show that you are least security conscious so possibly won't be keeping valuables in the car.

That's good advice and I agree that it could mean the difference between choosing my car and another one. I am on the look out for one now. I'm trying to find a second hand one as the new one's are a bit pricey.

[stripped fred]

2 hours ago, castros_bro said:

I've sort have got a K11, moved it after 4 years of it sitting in a garage to get ready for MOT, next morning owner got in to take for MOT and it wouldn't move just made a grinding noise. Some scrote had stolen one of the front wheels over night. I have previously fitted a thing like in the link below, it is well hidden so takes a bit of thought and time and is not obvious if the bonnet is open.  I did look at trackers and was even asked to fit some (into carbon fiber bicycle frames) but having had stuff stolen and vandalized previously it seemed better to have it not moving from where it's parked rather then knowing where your crashed burnt out vehicle is.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296671466278?_skw=car+immobiliser&itmmeta=01J9X74CBPM2QQ937T2F5GYD2M&hash=item4512ff5326:g:LB8AAOSwKZlm18nh&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlF4aiZXxzFnFdasAZQ43TzGEm5KDEpkM7frXQKVp0cLa1O4wiRjD185VxHlH9oUYXpLIMVriun0dQ%2BwGiFD7%2F1Unf%2FNh0bjr3PTz1kwVKzro0F7AtAej0%2BHuoPRikWdEaMHtfqwiYkdx6YwrB%2Bh%2Bfjw4pFsoczvUoXWgqSohs%2BukubxPD63J6pKx3HT%2BUOIaBuTKe1WwrIxGJIoZueb07zZl6k7Y%2B%2FkRM4Q4K0girpfxHKLkVOIU66DVPmMxdfuWJSln2EKXOE1pWI9FVUzSzvjNiZxIoUN6HBiSPEZ5z3Ow%3D%3D|tkp%3ABFBMzsaRp89k

Thanks Castros-Bro, I didn't know about these. That's a good shout. I would also prefer it not to move in the first place as it is unlikely to be recovered in a good state!

[Volksy]

My mate managed to recover his pick up when it was nicked as he'd stashed an apple airtag somewhere in it. Made national news!

Scaffolder tracks down stolen truck in hour - thanks to hidden AirTag (yahoo.com)

[stripped fred]

So, my list so far:

- fit a disklok

- take the battery out when not being used (easy as it's parked nearby)

- fit the immobiliser above

- don't leave valuables in it

- leave it unlocked

That should do it! You can never avoid this completely but at least I can make it more difficulr.

Also, I now have a camera pointed at it so at least I can catch a blurry image of someone in a hoody... 

[stripped fred]

10 minutes ago, Volksy said:

My mate managed to recover his pick up when it was nicked as he'd stashed an apple airtag somewhere in it. Made national news!

Scaffolder tracks down stolen truck in hour - thanks to hidden AirTag (yahoo.com)

That was a good result. I thought about these and probably worthwhile as they are cheap, although I think they alert anyone who has an iPhone that there is one nearby. If it was well hidden then it could work, as it did for your mate. I bet he was pleased!  

[Volksy]

3 minutes ago, stripped fred said:

That was a good result. I thought about these and probably worthwhile as they are cheap, although I think they alert anyone who has an iPhone that there is one nearby. If it was well hidden then it could work, as it did for your mate. I bet he was pleased!  

He was, 

I guess even if it alerts them that might be a good thing, as they'll know they're being tracked, so would probably dump the car sooner rather than later. 

[stripped fred]

2 minutes ago, Volksy said:

He was, 

I guess even if it alerts them that might be a good thing, as they'll know they're being tracked, so would probably dump the car sooner rather than later. 

You're right. I don't have an iPhone but the wife does. I'm going to order one based on your friend's experience.

[IronStar]

Blinking LED does wonders, even if you don't actually have an alarm installed. It's a difference between this car, and fuck this car, get the next up the road. 

[stripped fred]

39 minutes ago, IronStar said:

Blinking LED does wonders, even if you don't actually have an alarm installed. It's a difference between this car, and fuck this car, get the next up the road. 

Great, I'll add it to the list...

[Lord Sterling]

4 hours ago, stripped fred said:

That's good advice and I agree that it could mean the difference between choosing my car and another one. I am on the look out for one now. I'm trying to find a second hand one as the new one's are a bit pricey.

Right, OK, where you located? I have one that I'm not using and is taking up space, however, it's a cheaper version of the disklok called XLock like this:

New, these are around £47.

[stripped fred]

6 hours ago, Lord Sterling said:

Right, OK, where you located? I have one that I'm not using and is taking up space, however, it's a cheaper version of the disklok called XLock like this:

New, these are around £47.

Thanks, that looks perfect! I'm in Leicester. Let me know how much you want.

[Lord Sterling]

5 hours ago, stripped fred said:

Thanks, that looks perfect! I'm in Leicester. Let me know how much you want.

Brill! Apparently I'm on my way up to Leicester LE15 on Saturday the 19th to pick up a tailgate for my Vectra so can bring it up then? Is £20 Ok?

Here it is, it has 1 key, I don't know where the others are unfortunately as I think it came with 2 or 3.

[stripped fred]

11 hours ago, Lord Sterling said:

Brill! Apparently I'm on my way up to Leicester LE15 on Saturday the 19th to pick up a tailgate for my Vectra so can bring it up then? Is £20 Ok?

Here it is, it has 1 key, I don't know where the others are unfortunately as I think it came with 2 or 3.

Thanks, I'll PM you.

[Noel Tidybeard]

empty the gove box & leave it open

empty boot and leave parcel shelf out

[stripped fred]

18 minutes ago, Noel Tidybeard said:

empty the gove box & leave it open

empty boot and leave parcel shelf out

I've started doing this, good advice.

[Lord Sterling]

2 hours ago, Noel Tidybeard said:

empty the gove box

😅

[RobT]

On 09/10/2024 at 20:10, stripped fred said:

Any advice on security for older cars?

Good to see you back SF.

I use these cheap things purely as a deterrent to the casual scrote.  I'm sure they're easy to remove within seconds if you know how.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167052669891

Admittedly my cars are pretty much worthless (bar the Metro) so a Disklok is better for something worth actual money.  But if using the car regularly I just found them a pain in the arse to use as they're so clunky.

[Andyrew]

Smear a volume of brown slicone sealant onto a pair of old pants and leave them on the passenger seats. Probably keep a few chancers out the car.