Vehicle security

GoldenRivet · 01-20-16, 06:56 PM

I will be the first to admit guilt. I forget to lock my vehicle doors with devastating frequency. Once, i went to dinner with several friends, and distracted perhaps by conversation or whatever i left my Toyota Carolla idling in the parking lot for the entire hour we were at dinner. Nobody stole the car fortunately, and we all had a good laugh at my expense.

The only time i really remember to lock my vehicle 100% of the time is when i am at work. the reason for this being that when i am at work, often in the heat of the summer sun, i have to leave the vehicle running to keep computer equipment cool, and i want the interior cold soaked when i return to it from my work which can be quite sweat inducing. So, i keep my keyless entry fob attached to my badge lanyard, on the same loop i attach some of my work tools. so in a sense it is impossible for me to forget to hit the lock button when i attach my tools because the transmitter is right there and i cannot attach my equipment without physically moving the keyless remote!

but, in the comfort of work, or at a hotel or RV park etc, i will often unload my stuff at the end of a tough day, head in for dinner, a hot shower and R&R and before you know it, bed time is upon me and i have completely forgotten about locking my vehicle.

as a result of this behavior which i fail to correct, as a result of a mistake i never learn from... about 6 years ago a young man got into my unlocked vehicle and stole a few items and then set it on fire thereby burning it to the ground. Due to the excellent police work of the local PD, my belongings were recovered and the perpetrator apprehended for his crimes. While i got my things back and saw justice more or less served (he got probation) it didnt bring my brand new Chevy Cobalt SS back from the dead.

on three separate occasions in the last six months alone; once while staying at an RV park in San Antonio, another time at a hotel in Austin, and just last night in my very own driveway - someone has managed to get into my truck simply by walking up and opening the door. the door that my dumb ass forgot to lock.

so, why my truck with such frequency?

first, it has a ladder rack and ladders, often it is from out of state, parked in a hotel or RV park with extended stay accommodations, and folks associate those types of vehicles - i assume - with individuals who work for a living and therefore must have something of value in the vehicle to be had.

second, on my rear window are two gun rights stickers, and considering that on each of the three occasions, the console and glovebox were both accessed and nothing - not even my Dashcam, GPS, or even $10 was stolen - i can only assume that the individuals targeting my truck are looking for an easy firearm to steal. While i might leave a few dollars in the console, or i might leave some pens and highlighters and such in the back seat console... i am not fool enough to leave a loaded firearm in my truck.

How can i correct this problem?

Learning is defined as modifying one's behavior based on practice, training or experience.

clearly, seeing as i fail to learn from these past experiences, i cannot be counted upon to modify my behavior. We learn, most efficiently, through positive and negative reinforcement.

If, for example of a positive reinforcement, i got a full nude lap dance from a hot blonde every time i locked my truck at the end of a day... well, it would be a religion for me.

or, for example of negative reinforcement, i had $500 stolen from my vehicle every time it was illegally accessed, i would quickly learn to lock the damned thing.

however, my failure to learn, speaking strictly as a bit of an expert on the psychology of learning, is the direct result of there being no substantial positive or negative reinforcements associated with my absent minded behavior of failing to lock my vehicle.

that said... i simply admit that i am not likely to change my forgetful nature.

i have however invested in a 130 Db alarm which will sound any time the glove compartment or console is opened. A pull tab connects to the compartment door, so when the door is opened more than 2 inches, the ear splitting alarm sounds. so, in the event that i forget to lock my truck, and someone manages to get into it, at least they wont get far before i am at least notified of the intrusion.

anyone else have experiences like this?

Commander Wallace · 01-20-16, 07:31 PM

I tend to lock my doors all the time. If security is an issue, have your car guarded by a pit bull with aids and hang a sign on him stating his affliction.

I think that should solve any security issues you might have .

Platapus · 01-20-16, 07:45 PM

Ever consider Lowjack?

Platapus · 01-20-16, 07:48 PM

Another option is a keyless entry system. I had one on my prius and I never worried about locking or unlocking the car. I kept the fob attached to my belt loop.

When I left the car, it automatically locked all the doors and disabled the car
When I approached the car, it unlocked the driver's door and enabled the car to run.

I really wish my new vehicle had that. It was sweet!

Aktungbby · 01-20-16, 07:51 PM

Quote:

anyone else have experiences like this?

Yes; but in reverse. I never unlock the car's 3 other doors and always keep the trunk & security related equipment locked so it cannot be released w/o the key which creates problems when I egress my 5 speed stick '05 Corolla and automatically lock the door (middle knuckle) as I exit; usually as I'm swinging the door open...sometimes forgetting to turn off the engine or leaving the keys in the ignition. I have a spare magnet box valet key for this. None of my cars have electronic locks; i don't trust them. It's a bitch to retrieve the spare in the rain; but it beats waiting for my insurance company to send out the door guy which has occurred also.

My Aracept jus' ain't cuttin' it! Now how about that ATM card U keep leaving in the machine eh?!!!

GoldenRivet · 01-20-16, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

Another option is a keyless entry system. I had one on my prius and I never worried about locking or unlocking the car. I kept the fob attached to my belt loop.

When I left the car, it automatically locked all the doors and disabled the car
When I approached the car, it unlocked the driver's door and enabled the car to run.

I really wish my new vehicle had that. It was sweet!

I really want something like that for my Nissan Titan, it already has keyless entry, the problem is i pull into the drive, go in the house and toss the keys on the table and call it a day. odds are 50/50 whether or not i remembered to hit the button. Something proximity activated would be great, but it would have to be aftermarket add on.

Buddahaid · 01-20-16, 08:34 PM

Put a sign on your front door that says lock the car.

Seriously, I don't know. I've always just done it by habit like using a seat belt. Do you use yours?

GoldenRivet · 01-20-16, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddahaid

Put a sign on your front door that says lock the car.

Seriously, I don't know. I've always just done it by habit like using a seat belt. Do you use yours?

I use my seat belt religiously. After being hit by two drunk drivers one tends to put a lot of faith in safety restraint systems.

August · 01-20-16, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

Another option is a keyless entry system. I had one on my prius and I never worried about locking or unlocking the car. I kept the fob attached to my belt loop.

When I left the car, it automatically locked all the doors and disabled the car
When I approached the car, it unlocked the driver's door and enabled the car to run.

I really wish my new vehicle had that. It was sweet!

This is how my keyless entry system on my Nissan Pathfinder works too. It would be the perfect solution to your problem GR

Stealhead · 01-20-16, 08:57 PM

As soon as I get out of the vehicle I lock the doors. Force of habit so make it a habit I guess.

Here is something to think about a thief probably wanders in every neighborhood and through every parking lot simply pulling door handles and probably has never actually broken into a vehicle because someone like yourself has made his task not require this skill. I bet really sneaky ones steal what is inside and then close the door back all nice like.

I am a bit shocked that you have had more than one bad experience and still keep not locking the door.

Don't be a soft target.

GoldenRivet · 01-20-16, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealhead

I am a bit shocked that you have had more than one bad experience and still keep not locking the door.

Don't be a soft target.

thats what gets me about the situation. Im cognizant of it for all of a week, then i get so wrapped up in my own comings and goings that i just jump out and go without locking up - of course i grew up in the sticks. it would be too much trouble for the would be burglar to 1. find where you live and 2. bother driving all the way out there. so its an old habit

I am not this way with my house... had a security system worth about $4,000 installed on my home that is monitored 24/7 and i myself can monitor from anywhere. we lock up, and we use the security system even on quick errands.

Stealhead · 01-20-16, 09:11 PM

I grew up in rural Florida and we still locked our doors. Never know when a backwoods meth head might be tweeking about.

Stealhead · 01-20-16, 09:32 PM

Just think to yourself "each time I leave my door unlocked ISIS kidnaps a kitten and puts it in a small box in a small room that has a stereo playing Barry Manilow full blast 24/7."

GoldenRivet · 01-20-16, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealhead

Just think to yourself "each time I leave my door unlocked ISIS kidnaps a kitten and puts it in a small box in a small room that has a stereo playing Barry Manilow full blast 24/7."

i hate cats... lets go with puppies

em2nought · 01-20-16, 11:16 PM

I'm pretty sure a Bernie Sanders bumper sticker will proclaim to the world that your @ss is broke, and you want everyone else to pay for you.

Maybe people will start leaving stuff in your car. LMAO

01-20-16, 06:56 PM	#1
GoldenRivet Subsim Aviator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 8,726 Downloads: 146 Uploads: 0	Vehicle security I will be the first to admit guilt. I forget to lock my vehicle doors with devastating frequency. Once, i went to dinner with several friends, and distracted perhaps by conversation or whatever i left my Toyota Carolla idling in the parking lot for the entire hour we were at dinner. Nobody stole the car fortunately, and we all had a good laugh at my expense. The only time i really remember to lock my vehicle 100% of the time is when i am at work. the reason for this being that when i am at work, often in the heat of the summer sun, i have to leave the vehicle running to keep computer equipment cool, and i want the interior cold soaked when i return to it from my work which can be quite sweat inducing. So, i keep my keyless entry fob attached to my badge lanyard, on the same loop i attach some of my work tools. so in a sense it is impossible for me to forget to hit the lock button when i attach my tools because the transmitter is right there and i cannot attach my equipment without physically moving the keyless remote! but, in the comfort of work, or at a hotel or RV park etc, i will often unload my stuff at the end of a tough day, head in for dinner, a hot shower and R&R and before you know it, bed time is upon me and i have completely forgotten about locking my vehicle. as a result of this behavior which i fail to correct, as a result of a mistake i never learn from... about 6 years ago a young man got into my unlocked vehicle and stole a few items and then set it on fire thereby burning it to the ground. Due to the excellent police work of the local PD, my belongings were recovered and the perpetrator apprehended for his crimes. While i got my things back and saw justice more or less served (he got probation) it didnt bring my brand new Chevy Cobalt SS back from the dead. on three separate occasions in the last six months alone; once while staying at an RV park in San Antonio, another time at a hotel in Austin, and just last night in my very own driveway - someone has managed to get into my truck simply by walking up and opening the door. the door that my dumb ass forgot to lock. so, why my truck with such frequency? first, it has a ladder rack and ladders, often it is from out of state, parked in a hotel or RV park with extended stay accommodations, and folks associate those types of vehicles - i assume - with individuals who work for a living and therefore must have something of value in the vehicle to be had. second, on my rear window are two gun rights stickers, and considering that on each of the three occasions, the console and glovebox were both accessed and nothing - not even my Dashcam, GPS, or even $10 was stolen - i can only assume that the individuals targeting my truck are looking for an easy firearm to steal. While i might leave a few dollars in the console, or i might leave some pens and highlighters and such in the back seat console... i am not fool enough to leave a loaded firearm in my truck. How can i correct this problem? Learning is defined as modifying one's behavior based on practice, training or experience. clearly, seeing as i fail to learn from these past experiences, i cannot be counted upon to modify my behavior. We learn, most efficiently, through positive and negative reinforcement. If, for example of a positive reinforcement, i got a full nude lap dance from a hot blonde every time i locked my truck at the end of a day... well, it would be a religion for me. or, for example of negative reinforcement, i had $500 stolen from my vehicle every time it was illegally accessed, i would quickly learn to lock the damned thing. however, my failure to learn, speaking strictly as a bit of an expert on the psychology of learning, is the direct result of there being no substantial positive or negative reinforcements associated with my absent minded behavior of failing to lock my vehicle. that said... i simply admit that i am not likely to change my forgetful nature. i have however invested in a 130 Db alarm which will sound any time the glove compartment or console is opened. A pull tab connects to the compartment door, so when the door is opened more than 2 inches, the ear splitting alarm sounds. so, in the event that i forget to lock my truck, and someone manages to get into it, at least they wont get far before i am at least notified of the intrusion. anyone else have experiences like this? __________________

01-20-16, 07:45 PM	#3
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Ever consider Lowjack? __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

01-20-16, 07:48 PM	#4
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Another option is a keyless entry system. I had one on my prius and I never worried about locking or unlocking the car. I kept the fob attached to my belt loop. When I left the car, it automatically locked all the doors and disabled the car When I approached the car, it unlocked the driver's door and enabled the car to run. I really wish my new vehicle had that. It was sweet! __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

01-20-16, 08:34 PM	#7
Buddahaid Shark above Space Chicken Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 9,319 Downloads: 162 Uploads: 0	Put a sign on your front door that says lock the car. Seriously, I don't know. I've always just done it by habit like using a seat belt. Do you use yours? __________________ "However vast the darkness, we must provide our own light." Stanley Kubrick "Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming." David Bowie

01-20-16, 11:16 PM	#15
em2nought Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,485 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I'm pretty sure a Bernie Sanders bumper sticker will proclaim to the world that your @ss is broke, and you want everyone else to pay for you. Maybe people will start leaving stuff in your car. LMAO __________________ em2nought is ecstatic garbage!

01-20-16, 07:31 PM	#2
Commander Wallace Navy Seal Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Under the sea in an Octupus garden in the shade Posts: 5,294 Downloads: 366 Uploads: 0	I tend to lock my doors all the time. If security is an issue, have your car guarded by a pit bull with aids and hang a sign on him stating his affliction. I think that should solve any security issues you might have .

01-20-16, 08:57 PM	#10
Stealhead Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5,421 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	As soon as I get out of the vehicle I lock the doors. Force of habit so make it a habit I guess. Here is something to think about a thief probably wanders in every neighborhood and through every parking lot simply pulling door handles and probably has never actually broken into a vehicle because someone like yourself has made his task not require this skill. I bet really sneaky ones steal what is inside and then close the door back all nice like. I am a bit shocked that you have had more than one bad experience and still keep not locking the door. Don't be a soft target.

01-20-16, 09:11 PM	#12
Stealhead Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5,421 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	I grew up in rural Florida and we still locked our doors. Never know when a backwoods meth head might be tweeking about.

01-20-16, 09:32 PM	#13
Stealhead Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5,421 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	Just think to yourself "each time I leave my door unlocked ISIS kidnaps a kitten and puts it in a small box in a small room that has a stereo playing Barry Manilow full blast 24/7."