BajaNomad - STOP your vehicle from getting stolen or ripped off in Baja!

STOP your vehicle from getting stolen or ripped off in Baja!

Lee - 6-8-2007 at 02:12 PM

I STRONGLY recommend that everyone have an alarm installed on their vehicle before going South. Nothing is full proof, but unless a professional is intent on stealing your vehicle, an amateur will be scared off.

For example, if you do not have a ''back-up'' battery to your alarm system, cutting the battery cable can be done by breaking your driver side window, popping the hood, and cutting the cable. No more alarm and all done in a matter of seconds. Spend more and get a back-up battery installed. If I was driving a $50,000 pickup, I'd have the extra battery.

For a little more money, you can also have an ignition kill switch as part of the system. The vehicle CANNOT be started and driven off. (Not actually a switch but the alarm computer shorting something out.)

Without an alarm/security system installed, your vehicle can be hot-wired in seconds and driven off.

A basic alarm systems costs $300.00. You'll be happier with a busted driver window than no window at all.

An alarm doesn't mean your vehicle can't be towed. And if it's being towed, an alarm sounding probably doesn't mean anything to the tow'ers.

Any experts out there who know better ways?

(I once had a ''silent alarm'' on a car that would transmit to a pager I carried that my car was being messed with. Wanted to catch them in the act. )

I'd still like to catch them. Might start carrying that pager in Baja.

woody with a view - 6-8-2007 at 02:33 PM

Quote:

(Not actually a switch but the alarm computer shorting something out.)

well, yes, actually you can install a switch. pretty common in the olden days before alarms. or just take the coil wire with you......

BTW, i'm not the smartest guy, but why would you want your alarm to short anything out? how would it know you just forgot to disable it when you open the door?

i just had a factory alarm torn outta my sub $5k truck because it was not allowing the chipped key to be read by the computer at the most inconvenient times!

[Edited on 6-8-2007 by woody in ob]

Bruce R Leech - 6-8-2007 at 03:48 PM

I just got back from Mexicali and while there they stole the brand new top of the line alarm systome and my catalytic converter out of my truck.

I'm glad they left the truck :lol:

Has any else ever heard of having a catalytic converter stolen?

tripledigitken - 6-8-2007 at 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I just got back from Mexicali and while there they stole the brand new top of the line alarm systome and my catalytic converter out of my truck.

I'm glad they left the truck :lol:

Has any else ever heard of having a catalytic converter stolen?

Yes Bruce I have. Recently in a San Diego shopping center thugs were stealing them while people were shopping.
Unbelievable!

Al G - 6-8-2007 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
I STRONGLY recommend that everyone have an alarm installed on their vehicle before going South. Nothing is full proof, but unless a professional is intent on stealing your vehicle, an amateur will be scared off.

For example, if you do not have a ''back-up'' battery to your alarm system, cutting the battery cable can be done by breaking your driver side window, popping the hood, and cutting the cable. No more alarm and all done in a matter of seconds. Spend more and get a back-up battery installed. If I was driving a $50,000 pickup, I'd have the extra battery.

For a little more money, you can also have an ignition kill switch as part of the system. The vehicle CANNOT be started and driven off. (Not actually a switch but the alarm computer shorting something out.)

Without an alarm/security system installed, your vehicle can be hot-wired in seconds and driven off.

A basic alarm systems costs $300.00. You'll be happier with a busted driver window than no window at all.

An alarm doesn't mean your vehicle can't be towed. And if it's being towed, an alarm sounding probably doesn't mean anything to the tow'ers.

Any experts out there who know better ways?

(I once had a ''silent alarm'' on a car that would transmit to a pager I carried that my car was being messed with. Wanted to catch them in the act. )

I'd still like to catch them. Might start carrying that pager in Baja.

Lee... I seriously doubt it...I am sure the people in Baja are no different then the people in California when it come to alarms...there are so many they just annoy everyone...most just clap and yell steal it fast so I don't have to listen to the crap anymore :lol:

Alarms are absolutely and totally useless...
Disabling the vehicle would be the best answer, but that will only stop (maybe) crimes of opportunity. Transmitters with secret battery backup may be your only chance at recovery in Baja...slim as it may be.

Would love to hear a real solution.

Frank - 6-8-2007 at 05:30 PM

Alarms are great, but they do have devices that will shop your alarm code until it beeps. If they want it, they will get it. You have to make yours harder to steal then the one parked next to it.

You could pull a certain relay and take it with you.....what are the chances that the thief would have the right one in his pocket or even know which one is missing.

If your really worried about it you could flatten a few tires :lol:

oxxo - 6-8-2007 at 08:15 PM

I drive a beater in Mexico. Nobody wants it. I wish someone would steal it so the spouse would let me get a new one. :light:

BAJABAILADOR - 6-8-2007 at 08:21 PM

on late model vehicles, fuel pump switch-easy.
all mine have them, just have to use them.

Ding...Ding...Ding!!!

Dave - 6-8-2007 at 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
I drive a beater in Mexico. Nobody wants it.

We have a winner.

And you get double protection:

No tickets.

Tomas Tierra - 6-8-2007 at 08:47 PM

puppy dog, ruff ruff

(and drive a p.o.s.)

elgatoloco - 6-8-2007 at 10:09 PM

There were published reports in the last year describing the break up of a car 'theft' ring in Ensenada area. The culprits had a device that would read your code when you used your key bob to lock your vehicle. You walked away and they would use the device to unlock the vehicle steal all the goods inside and lock it back up. Upon your return you would find your vehicle locked with no signs of entry and :?:

It was reported that the same crew would take orders for specific make, model vehicle and deliver quickly and cheaply.

Be careful. :smug:

Norm - 6-9-2007 at 07:06 AM

NEVER STOP AFTER CROSSING We go south as far as we can & stay the nit at a good truck stop, carry your flar gun ! Have had no kind of problems in 30 + years of baja !!
Now if we can do somthing about the shark norma thing ???????????

vandenberg - 6-9-2007 at 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tomas Tierra
puppy dog, ruff ruff

(and drive a p.o.s.)

I'm with you.
Invest in a dog. :lol:

Most Mexicans seem to have a healthy fear of any kind of dog.

Bajafun777 - 6-9-2007 at 08:49 AM

It takes a little more time when you first get out but you can buy a wheel lock devise that parking meter officers put on your vehicle if you have tickets that were unpaid and they want to be paid, no towing costs. It's called a booth and your vehicle is not going anywhere with that on. You can also get at Pep Boys a locking steering wheel device that encircles your steering wheel from the center. The only way to get around it would be to remove the entire steering wheel, so there in lies their problem how do you move it without steering wheel attached and too much time to do that. Alarms are just that a bunch of noise that nobody listens to anymore. Later--------------bajafun777

Cap - 6-10-2007 at 08:25 AM

So if I only drive an old beater with no catylitic converter, have a labrador riding shot gun, a fuel pump switch, and nothing inside that I would miss too much I will be ok? .....sounds like I am set already :yes:

Al G - 6-10-2007 at 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Norm

NEVER STOP AFTER CROSSING We go south as far as we can & stay the nit at a good truck stop, carry your flar gun ! Have had no kind of problems in 30 + years of Baja !!
Now if we can do something about the shark norma thing ???????????

I am with you with the not stopping anywhere above Maneadero.
There is great RV and camping in Santo Tomas across from in town Pemex. (14.00 Dll for RV) Lot of room for boats too. Will not need a flare gun...I realize it is difficult, but if no one stopped above Santo Tomas, the crime would soon lessen. Let us get the word out and don't stop. :light:

bajabound2005 - 6-10-2007 at 08:47 AM

A friend of ours had his vehicle stolen- WITH THE DOG IN IT- in Ensenada. He didn't care about the vehicle but paid a handsome reward to get his dog back.

woody with a view - 6-10-2007 at 09:23 AM

i usually stop at the fish market in ensenada on the way down and back. heading south is usually no problem because we get there EARLY and there is no problem parking right at the front door. coming home requires parking along the street near the parking area for the charter boats. the last two times we've just hoped that the folks at the taco shops would deter thieves, and have had no problems.

now, after reading this thread i think someone will have to be designated the team "guard dog" in the future! :lol:

Al G - 6-10-2007 at 09:50 AM

You have the power...keep stopping and let the corrupt Cops and criminals control you life or don't stop.
Please do not stop :yes:

Bruce R Leech - 6-10-2007 at 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G
You have the power...keep stopping and let the corrupt Cops and criminals control you life or don't stop.
Please do not stop :yes:

Where are you going to stop? there are about 8 auto thefts a week in Santa Rosalia. and five or 8 month here in Mulege. I dont think it gets any better to the south. most are cars belonging to Mexicans and more than half are cars that you would not be cought dead in so the POS idea dosent work eather :lol:

and oh yes here thay may even kill you if thay want your car

DENNIS - 6-10-2007 at 11:14 AM

Albert ----

Too many activities in Ensenada, races etc.

They should move it all up to Rosarito Bch and that could be the designated snake-pit of Baja.

Al G - 6-10-2007 at 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Albert ----

Too many activities in Ensenada, races etc.

They should move it all up to Rosarito Bch and that could be the designated snake-pit of Baja.

I would be OK with that :lol:

"JUST DON"T STOP"

Bruce R Leech - 6-10-2007 at 11:46 AM

I gota stop Im Moving to Ensenada

what is that old saying about throwing the skillet in to the fire or something like that :lol:

Vehicle alarms Revisited....

Lee - 7-15-2007 at 10:07 AM

Quote:

A few days ago, I was at the local Car Toys shop in Boulder (alarms, stereos, phones) getting an alarm installed in my new/used F350. This is my second Ford pickup and my impression of Ford's in Baja is that they are easy to hot wire, and steal. My alarm is a Clifford -- don't have the model number -- but it has the ignition disabler. All four doors (it's a crew cab) are wired and the hood too. I told the installer I had had a car broken into years ago that had an alarm. The thieves broke the driver window and popped the hood then cut the battery cable -- within 5-10 seconds I'm guessing, then stole the expensive stereo I had plus about 100 CDs. Boy did I learn a lesson about leaving stuff in my car. The alarm wasn't enough. So, the installer said he could ''disguise'' the alarm cable (though it would still be connected to the battery) so it wouldn't look conspicuous. When I came back the next day for the install, and spoke with another installler, this guy said he didn't think the thieves would stand around looking for more cables to cut, if the alarm hadn't stopped. And he said the only ''guarantee'' was an ''additional'' alarm battery as a backup to the truck battery. The backup battery is small and hidden inside the interior of the truck. It'll never be found. It's tied into one of two batteries under the hood. (The truck is Super Duty and has two batteries.)

My concern is less that I have valuables in my truck and more around my truck being stolen.

For smaller Toyota pickups, even if a thief couldn't hotwire the pickup, it could be broken into, and pushed a distance to where another car could tow it off. If it didn't have an alarm. That's got to be the amateur way but something I could see happening in Baja.

The additional battery with install cost $150. The math was almost immediate for me: how much insurance do I need to prevent my truck from being stolen?

I once had a VW bug that was easy enough to disable. Toggle switch with two wires: one to the distributor and the other was the ground. Flip the switch and the distributor wouldn't work. That was after I had had the VW stolen and the interior stripped -- all custom work I'd had done in TJ.

So, folks, unless someone can tell me how a vehicle can be stolen with an alarm going off -- and I'm not talking about urban alarms that everyone ignores -- I'm talking about an alarm going off in a parking lot that attracts attention. I'm admitting that nothing is totally fool proof but then this stuff isn't rocket science. Break a window on a vehicle, or somehow get the door open, and an alarm will make most thieves walk or run away. Makes sense to me.

:cool:

Al G - 7-15-2007 at 10:30 AM

Lee...did you ask if there was anyway that it could be defeated with a battery back-up...anyway at all? Where is the alarm horn and wire located? Can a code tool defect it?

Dave - 7-15-2007 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
So, folks, unless someone can tell me how a vehicle can be stolen with an alarm going off -- and I'm not talking about urban alarms that everyone ignores -- I'm talking about an alarm going off in a parking lot that attracts attention.

Are you kidding? :lol:

No one pays any attention to a car alarm...especially in a parking lot. Only if the sound becomes annoying. Usually it's a gringo that finally complains... Mexicans just turn up the music.

toneart - 7-15-2007 at 11:28 AM

Since this thread was started, the tragic story of a truck with four Golden Retrievers was stolen in Rosarito Beach appeared here in another thread. It wasn't clear if the dogs were actually in the truck or a camper.

I always travel with my big dog who has a penthouse suite in the super crew cab. Now I really worry about him. I am usually making the trip alone (with the dog) so there is no one to stay in the truck while I make a stop. The point is, I think most Mexicans are afraid of dogs, but if someone really wants your truck, the dog may not be much of a deterrent. It does seem logical to me that the thief would let the dog out right there before driving off. (It is very puzzling that the four dogs referred to above have not been sighted).

Often I am towing a trailer. I should probably put a lock on the hitch. It seems to me that, even if they hotwired the truck, they would not want to tow a trailer too, and would look for a different opportunity. Not only would the trailer be more difficult to maneuver, it would also be conspicuous.

Of course, break-ins are still quite possible, but that is where a dog may be a deterrent.

I would not have an alarm. They are only annoying to the people who are not interested in stealing, which is just about everybody. Alarms are so sensitive that they go off with any vibration or loud noise. Because of that, there are so many false alarms that nobody pays any attention to them.

Can anyone shoot holes in my logic?....Please?

DENNIS - 7-15-2007 at 11:37 AM

I also take my dog everywhere I go but, she wouldn't be a deterrent. From now on, I'll pay the parking lot guards [ I guess that's what they are ] to stand by my truck while I'm in the store. I don't care what it will cost, two or three bucks I figure. I couldn't stand to go through what that Rosarito couple is going through now.

Mango - 7-15-2007 at 11:55 AM

I vote for the steering wheel lock from Pepboys. I have one that locks around the steering column and covers the front of the steering wheel. You would have to defeat the lock on the device (most likely, or saw off the whole steering wheel at the base to get it off)

Many steering wheel locks, i.e. the club, can be defeated in seconds with a hacksaw, since they lock to the outside part of steering wheel (which they just saw through and remove the club) and not the column.

It's not foolproof. Nothing is. But, it makes it harder than the next car.

Nobody cares about car alarms, except the owners of cars within 100ft that have alarms that sound like the one going off.

Here is the link to the one I have, click on the "Column" tab. They have some boat locks too, so some people might find them interesting.

http://www.unbreakable.com/Unbreakable_Auto_CL.htm

BTW - I never pay the parking attendants more than 5 pesos. Not that I'm being cheap.. but most people only pay them 2 or 3 pesos, and when in Rome... I get my car washed for $3 USD
:lol:

Oso - 7-15-2007 at 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
I drive a beater in Mexico. Nobody wants it. I wish someone would steal it so the spouse would let me get a new one. :light:

I did that for a long time, called it "Pizza Insurance" as in driving a pizza chit. Still have the 82 Chevy but also an 04 Taco now which uses half the gas of the Chevy. I want to take the Toyo next trip down but all the stuff I keep reading does concern me.

No catalytic converter on the Chevy (I live in AZ- nobody cares)

I do have an alarm on the Toy and also a "club" thing for the steering wheel. But, I noticed on the club packaging it said its "guarantee" only applied to cars. What diff would it make on a truck?? I also have a large, antisocial, somewhat psychotic Chow/Lab mix but can't always take him everywhere.

Dave - 7-15-2007 at 01:37 PM

If they want it they're gonna get it. Would think it would be more important to spend the money trying to locate the vehicle...quickly.

What's the cheapest GPS tracking system? What about chips for pets?

Who's gonna know it's not rover but a range rover?

Logic prevails

Lee - 7-15-2007 at 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
I also take my dog everywhere I go but, she wouldn't be a deterrent. From now on, I'll pay the parking lot guards [ I guess that's what they are ] to stand by my truck while I'm in the store. I don't care what it will cost, two or three bucks I figure. I couldn't stand to go through what that Rosarito couple is going through now.

Well I agree with Dennis. Track down the parking guard and have him stand by your vehicle.

Short of that, a neurotic dog works. Wish mine were even a little neurotic but she'd not.

I like the steering wheel lock. The Club? That will slow down an amateur.

I did end of with a silent alarm on the car I had broken into. My installer brought it up too -- he had a customer who wanted to catch the crime in progress. My pager/transmitter only worked line of sight -- probably not in the back of CCC.

:cool:

Packoderm - 7-15-2007 at 02:14 PM

Just put in a baby car seat, roll up a bunch of diapers smeared with mud, spread them out on the seat and floor in plain view, and shut the windows and lock the door. That should keep them out.

Simple solution

bajaguy - 7-15-2007 at 02:27 PM

Loud and messy, but it works.

Remove horn pad or airbag from center of steering wheel. Replace with a small custom made Claymore mine, wire through electrical system to a small toggle switch under dash.

When crook starts car....end of problem...take car to carwash and hose out interior............just remember to flip switch to off position when you get in!!!!!!!!!!!

DENNIS - 7-15-2007 at 02:36 PM

BG.....

I like it. I've seen what a Claymore can do.

Packoderm - 7-15-2007 at 03:26 PM

We're dealing with some real bad people here. I don't know what they would fear more - antipersonnel land mines or stinky, soiled diapers?

Choice

bajaguy - 7-15-2007 at 03:27 PM

I could fill the Claymore with several stinky diapers!!!!!!!

Last plug for alarms

Lee - 7-15-2007 at 06:58 PM

I guess it's regional. Alarms aren't always ignored. I can hear my alarm far away.

When I stayed in Todos recently, it would have been easy enough to break into my car while I was sleeping 30 feet away in my casita. The alarm would have scared someone off. In that case, I wouldn't have ignored the alarm. On a busy street in Ensenada, maybe yes.

At an isolated beach out of view of my truck, the alarm will let me know the truck has been tampered with if I am close enough to hear it.

So, if anyone is dead set against alarm's working, don't be set against doing something so that your vehicle isn't driven off. That's the important thing. Remove a wire, or coil, or something! It's better to have a window busted out, or things inside stolen, but not the whole vehicle!

P.S. I've stayed in enough hotels in Baja that were not secure and my alarm would have alerted me. FYI. That's all I really want. And I'll start using parking lot security at CCC in the future too. No problem with that.

And, people, tip big. Don't rate your generousity on some bogus scale of what charity is worth to others. And tip whether your window get's cleaned or not. Think of the ''indulgences'' you're racking up with God.

Here's another angle to think about...

Mexray - 7-16-2007 at 01:07 AM

,,,we Ford owners are plagued with an easy to pry open outside door handle - a quick pry with a screw driver, and a thief is inside your truck!

Check out this site for a cure, or at least a chance to slow down those screw driver wielding scum bags! It's a backing plate mounted inside the door latch to resist access to the door lock/unlock rods. I see they make em' for Chevy's also...

http://www.jimmijammer.com/

They also sell locking stuff for tailgates and tail light assemblies, also.

I've ordered mine...

805gregg - 7-16-2007 at 08:45 AM

Check out my post on page 2. I recently had a Rvelco anti theft device installed on my Liberty. They claim 3.5 million installed and no thefts, $ 400 cheap insurance.

Hook - 7-16-2007 at 11:17 AM

I have opted for the brake pedal lock type device. On my Ford, the steering column, the shifter and the ignition stay locked until the brake pedal is depressed. So, it basically renders inoperable all of the above and the brakes. It's not an easy thing to hacksaw through as there is virtually no clearance down there.

Are these considered effective?

Also, I've read that pulling the fuse for the PCM on a diesel is effective, but havent done it yet.

Maybe leave your transfer case in neutral, if you're a four-by-guy? Might take them a while to figure that one out.....

I guess a tow is still a possibility but there are ways of parking with obstructions in front and back that could make this harder.

Just thinking of options....................

[Edited on 7-16-2007 by Hook]

Al G - 7-16-2007 at 12:08 PM

Some good ideas there Hook...There must be some way to lock the brakes with manual pressure and if there is it could be a real answer.

Hook - 7-16-2007 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G
Some good ideas there Hook...There must be some way to lock the brakes with manual pressure and if there is it could be a real answer.

There is, Al, and that's what I have. It is a solid metal shaft with a claw that fits over the brake pedal lever. The "foot" of the shaft is jammed against the firewall just below the steering column. The claw slides up against the level from the foot. Someone would have to be hanging outside of the cab to be able to try and hacksaw this. But there is still almost no clearance for a hacksaw down there. I guess a battery operated disk-grinder could be used.

I've read that the brand I have (cant remember the name) is much more solid than the Club brand of brake lock. I got it at a Kragen's.

805gregg - 7-16-2007 at 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
I have opted for the brake pedal lock type device. On my Ford, the steering column, the shifter and the ignition stay locked until the brake pedal is depressed. So, it basically renders inoperable all of the above and the brakes. It's not an easy thing to hacksaw through as there is virtually no clearance down there.

Are these considered effective?

Also, I've read that pulling the fuse for the PCM on a diesel is effective, but havent done it yet.

Maybe leave your transfer case in neutral, if you're a four-by-guy? Might take them a while to figure that one out.....

I guess a tow is still a possibility but there are ways of parking with obstructions in front and back that could make this harder.

Just thinking of options....................

[Edited on 7-16-2007 by Hook]

I actually found 2 fuses I could pull to stop starting, the only problem was opening th fuse box to take it out, this way I can disconnect 2 starting circuts with the pull of a plug. And I get decals that identify my anti-theft system, with 3.5 mil units out there a good thief will know. I'll keep you posted or beg for a ride.

Hook - 7-16-2007 at 10:10 PM

These anti-theft firms need to come out with a sticker that says "Rosarito Beach Proven" or "Ensenada Proven". :lol:

Hook - 7-16-2007 at 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Check out my post on page 2. I recently had a Rvelco anti theft device installed on my Liberty. They claim 3.5 million installed and no thefts, $ 400 cheap insurance.

How much was the install alone?

805gregg - 7-17-2007 at 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Check out my post on page 2. I recently had a Rvelco anti theft device installed on my Liberty. They claim 3.5 million installed and no thefts, $ 400 cheap insurance.

How much was the install alone?

They came out to my house and installed it for $399

Lee - 7-17-2007 at 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
They came out to my house and installed it for $399

I don't understand. How does this work? http://www.ravelco.com/

:cool:

805gregg - 7-18-2007 at 10:14 AM

There is a plug with 16 pins that goes onto a recepticle on the dash, two of the starting system wires go to 4 of those connections. The plug completes the circut. Without the plug you have quite a few combinations of pins to connect. The wires from the recepticle are metal shielded to the firewall and clamped on the outside.

joel - 7-18-2007 at 10:56 PM

I got one of those alarms with a pager. It tells me, up to a 1/2 mile away, that the alarm is going off. I hate to leave my rig so far away, but occasionally we stay in a hotel somewhere and I can't park it inside the bedroom. It does signal my remote pretty far away, but I don't know that it can't be defeated.

Supposedly, if there's no power to the battery and the alarm wasn't turned off, the car can't be started....