Car Stolen, Alarm Didn't Go off. How to Prevent? Also, How to Defend Home in Australia?

900dollaridoos on 02/12/2023 - 15:12
Last edited 02/12/2023 - 15:13

Had my 2010 Xtrail get stolen out of my driveway in Hobart last night, bit of a shame. 4 weeks living here so it was a nice welcome to the state.
It had a pretty touchy alarm, like if I mucked up locking it and using the door it would go off, so definitely worked. How did they manage to steal it without breaking any glass or setting off the alarm? I still have the keys.

Cops said another 2010 Nissan (Navara) was stolen nearby the night before. Thinking maybe there might exist an electronic tool that beats them? Kinda want to learn more since I'm stuck in this house for 12 months more and figure it's a target now (dark, dirt laneway).

So, what's the Ozbargain countermeasure if alarms apparently are worthless? Samsung/apple tags? GPS? Bikies?

Second question, how are we supposed to protect family in this country? Genuinely looking for advice here. I work away from home and the police recommended a cricket bat for my now scared partner. She's like 4 foot, it won't do a thing. They've even banned pepper spray which is about the only 'weapon' that can't be used without all parties being messed up, surely making it the ultimate defence.
All cameras are going to do is let me watch it happen, if the worst arises.

Feels very frustrating when the recommended way to defend your family is to wait for them to be assaulted and then lodge a police report. I love Australia but it feels lousy being both nanny-stated and unprotected.
I can buy a new car but you can't undo the effects of a genuine home-invasion, which is now a somewhat warranted concern.

Automotive

Comments

      • pufffdragon on 04/12/2023 - 01:05
        -2

        dont believe me

        Actually I don't.
        You've been spewing the same nonsense all through this thread with little to no evidence to back up anything you're claiming.

        You haven't even given any constructive real world help or advice to the situation that's been laid out here, other than negativity.

        So what is your advice if a home invasions happens? Welcome them with open arms??

        • GrueHunter on 04/12/2023 - 14:19

          You're forgetting the step before that, which is knowing that the risk of a home invasion is very, very low.

          And yes, you should welcome them with open arms. De-escalate. Let them take what they want. Pay your insurance excess and move on.

          What's your solution? Ask them to stand around for a bit while you open the gun safe? Leave an unsecured firearm in the house so your kids can kill themselves? That'll show 'em! Clap clap, you very stable genius you. Keep puffing whatever it is you're puffing.

          • pufffdragon on 04/12/2023 - 19:01
            +2

            @GrueHunter:

            And yes, you should welcome them with open arms. De-escalate.

            You make sound like they are going to politely knock on your door and say we are going to rob, bash and maybe kill you. You obviously don't live in reality.

            I would love to see how that works out for you if guys with machetes are breaking into your house.

            Hell, put the kettle on and make them a cup of coffee while you're at it.

    • ssfps on 04/12/2023 - 02:46
      +4

      It all comes back to the uncomfortable truth that Australia has no bill of rights, the only democratic nation in the world without a national bill or charter of human rights. There is no tradition of rugged individualism in a nation which has a collective servile/boot-licking mentality dating back to colonial times, there's no concept of "castle doctrine" and since 1996 gun ownership has been systematically demonised as being equivalent to indulging in pedophilia or some other insane equivalence

      Very well said. Pity most of ozb are indoctrinated with a pavlovian "muh USA" response whenever firearms are mentioned.

      An even more depressing fact is that armed cash-in-transit security guards are legally allowed to use deadly force to protect their cargoes but ordinary citizens can't use deadly force to protect their lives.

      Yep, absolute insanity.
      I'm convinced the only explanation for our situation is that the elite actually want us all living in chaos and fear.

      • GrueHunter on 04/12/2023 - 14:20
        -2

        reee teh eleets are out to get me

        we all live in chaos and fear because I can't read basic crime stats showing that levels have been steadily dropping for decades

        teh eleets wants this because…because…just because, that's why

    • GrueHunter on 04/12/2023 - 14:13
      -4

      You're going to receive a lot of defensive, evasive, hand-waving BS in this thread from…

      …people with a primary school grasp of mathematics

      Saved you an essay

  • EightImmortals on 02/12/2023 - 18:19
    +4

    Get whatever you need to protect your home and family (even from the black market if necessary) and don't be afraid t use it. Sort out the nanny-state bs later.
    *disclaimer: I am not a bikie, this should not be taken as advice of any sort. :)

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/12/2023 - 18:27
    +4

    Have you seen Home Alone?

    The best defence is to leave one of the kids behind to weaponise a variety of everyday objects such as marbles, irons and micro machines.

  • simplystu on 02/12/2023 - 19:06

    OP …
    sounds like car wasn't in a locked-up garage … that would've been first preventative measure.

    There are various measures that thieves use to steal cars - while not related to Nissan Xtrail …
    1 modern way == through the CAN-BUS system, hooking in through either the headlight or tail-light - once connected, basically have access to car's whole electronic system.

    It's been fairly common in UK for last 5 years … only really cropped up here in AU last 2-3 years (mainly east coast) … it was even on Channel 7/9 news as a feature story probably 1+ year ago.

    Certain makes/models which are highly susceptible to this (as said, haven't previously heard about Nissan Xtrail being on the list though).

    • 900dollaridoos on 02/12/2023 - 22:21

      Would love a garage but as renters in hobart, beggers cant be choosers. Even as a doctor and engineer couple with no pets or kids it still took us endless rejections before scoring this place.

      Really interesting stuff on the CAN BUS, I'll definitely read up some more thanks!

  • yabol on 02/12/2023 - 22:42
    +8

    The best prevention for car being stolen in Australia is….manual gearbox.

    • DickyTicker on 06/12/2023 - 08:35

      And left hand drive

  • jakka on 02/12/2023 - 23:25
    +4

    Firstly, sorry to hear your car was stolen.

    It is very concerning but the risk is very low of someone entering your home whilst occupied. You quote a 2% chance of it occurring. However over 93% of burglaries that occur in Australia are when the premise is unoccupied.

    As for prevention, things like security cameras, and sensor lights are good deterrents, the people committing these crimes want to get in and out undetected, as they did with your car.

    • ozboygsl on 03/12/2023 - 07:38

      low risk of entering yr home while your in it? - not anymore. Medium risk at best.

      • GrueHunter on 04/12/2023 - 14:14

        …because you say so?

        ok champ

    • ssfps on 04/12/2023 - 02:51
      +3

      7% chance of having people burglarize your home while you're in it.
      ~2% chance of being burgled in a year.
      So 0.14% chance overall of being burgled while at home. That's the Australian average. If you live in a high crime area, maybe that number goes way up. People shut down the country a few years ago because of similar risks of getting a bad flu, but according to most posters here the same chance of somebody breaking into your home while your wife and kids are there is no big deal/ not worth worrying about. Insanity.

      • Hellfire on 04/12/2023 - 08:21

        And of those 0.14%, how many result in injury to the occupants?

        Intruders will mostly flee if they are discovered.

        My own experience: Many years ago I came home to 2 people inside my house. They tried to flee but i corner one and restrained them while calling the police.

  • ozboygsl on 03/12/2023 - 07:40
    +4

    protecting your own home is dangerous. The biggest , most corrupt and violent gang in Australia { the police} will arrest and charge you and happily trump up charges to make themselves look good.

  • Rob-4x4 on 03/12/2023 - 08:13
    +6

    Sadly we have a legal system in Australia that is more concerned about protecting criminals than protecting and supporting victims of crime.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/12/2023 - 08:46
    +2

    I hid an AirTag in some obscure place in my car. And I disabled its speaker.

  • angryofm on 03/12/2023 - 08:54
    +1

    No need for guns or to move out - first thing is to fit a camera and security light to the property covering the driveway, even a dummy one would work as deterrent no1, 2nd deterrent would be to have a large dog on the premises- not necessarily a vicious one but one that is alert and would make a lot of noise if it spots a stranger in the driveway.
    Last deterrent and some protection would be to have a small kitchen-type fire extinguisher at the door, just in case…
    Most thieves/home invaders would avoid a home with a camera and a noisy dog and move on to the next home…

    • lew380 on 03/12/2023 - 11:31

      So just lay low and hope your neighbour gets stabbed by some crazy guy instead. Righto

    • Aerith-Waifu on 03/12/2023 - 16:40

      Good idea, I got 4 point at front and now 4 at side and back. Saw a naked guy come into the frame the other day with a Skippy woman, and the funny thing is I am 100% certain it's not the wife as she is a FIFO. Lol

  • 2esc on 03/12/2023 - 09:10
    +1

    Security lights (solar) will deter some theives.

    • 900dollaridoos on 03/12/2023 - 23:13

      we had security lights. They just bent the sensor backwards to switch it off

  • lew380 on 03/12/2023 - 11:29

    You have to be evenly matched with the burglar, just ask him what weapons he is carrying, arm yourself with the same weapons. Example, say he has an 8 in knife, you can go to your kitchen draw and also get a kitchen knife but make sure it does not exceed 8in, or you will go to jail forever for attacking the poor burglar. It has to be a fight to the death, but on equal terms, a fair fight. This country is fked. In more civilised countries, you can just shoot the burglar and call it a day.

  • billy72 on 03/12/2023 - 11:54
    +2

    To prevent:
    - GPS tracker inside the car.
    - Steering wheel lock that is very convenient and effective

    To defend:
    - I love axes and pickaxes

  • Protractor on 03/12/2023 - 14:04
    -3

    Outside spending money on the stuff that works (like NORMAL) people.Move to another country?.
    Stop looking for reasons to air out your violent inner self.
    Vigilantes suck and make life worse for everyone.

    They stole 2 Nissans. You should feel sorry for them

    Also crime follows drugs and those who distribute them.Tasmania has changed it's demograph. Locals were warned this would come
    Wink wink

  • noshopping on 03/12/2023 - 14:26
    +2

    Security solutions:
    Get the new Hikvision cameras. About $200. Fairly easy to setup, just needs a switch with POE power.
    You define a perimeter and anyone who enters it gets a warning sound and it turns on its super bright lights. If you install the mobile app, you also get notification.
    Some of the pre-packaged sounds are "This is a restricted area, leave immediately" "Siren" "Annoying beeps". You can also record or upload your own WAV files.
    From my experience, most times, as soon as people hear the alarm, they do a runner. The alarm level can be set so as to not annoy your neighbour and can only be heard a few metres. No sub required.

    Alternative solution: Install the Amazon Ring Flood light and signup to a paid subscription, about $30/year I think.
    It doesn't make a sound, except just turns on lights, BUT you get an instant sound notification on your mobile app whenever a human invades that space. Plus, you can remote activate the loud siren from your mobile app in the hopes it deters them. In both instances, you have video footage which may assist the police.

    The Ring flood light camera has been extremely handy in our situation, every time a mailman drops off a package or someone enters our property without permission, even family members leaving or coming home, everyone in the house knows, as it sends a notification and makes a chime noise. You can install the Ring mobile app on multiple devices including Amazon Alexa devices so everyone is in the loop. Plenty of times when I'm at say Bunnings, and my phone just chimes and I know someone is in the drive way :)

    • 900dollaridoos on 03/12/2023 - 23:12

      ?Get the new Hikvision cameras. About $200. Fairly easy to setup, just needs a switch with POE power.
      You define a perimeter and anyone who enters it gets a warning sound and it turns on its super bright lights. If you install the mobile app, you also get notification.
      Some of the pre-packaged sounds are "This is a restricted area, leave immediately" "Siren" "Annoying beeps".

      I really like the sound of this, thankyou.
      Can I trouble you for the model number you recommend? They seem to have a few recent options.

  • SpicyStew on 03/12/2023 - 14:35
    1. air tag it
    2. dashcam with motion detection & cloud upload

    all else fails, learn to ride a bike

    • N30NF15H on 05/12/2023 - 12:34

      My boss had his ebike stolen and the thieves dismantled it and removed the air tag he had hidden inside. Nows he back to driving.

  • imcold on 03/12/2023 - 16:05

    Install this alarm inside your car..

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-compact-entry-detector-ala…

    Just need to cover the alarm to stop it going off.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 03/12/2023 - 16:38
    +2

    Boil some hot water will do!

    • 900dollaridoos on 03/12/2023 - 23:10
      +2

      "hey chaps, can you just wait there a minute while I put the kettle on?"

      • capslock janitor on 04/12/2023 - 19:13

        tell them to take a seat for a cuppa.

        THEN DECEPTICON MODE

  • capslock janitor on 03/12/2023 - 16:39
    +1

    Steering Wheel Locks

    Alarms and Security Systems: Install an alarm system that covers entry points and possibly includes motion sensors.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 03/12/2023 - 16:42
    +1

    Pepper spray is illegal, home invasions is also illegal and that didn't stop them right, doesn't mean you can't use it in the event of home invasions.

  • Eeples on 03/12/2023 - 17:46
    +1

    AirTag.

  • DiscoJango on 03/12/2023 - 18:50
    +1

    Look up demographic of certain suburbs, avoid the ones with people/religions/races you dont like.

    • 900dollaridoos on 03/12/2023 - 23:09

      I've done that and this was supposed to be safer than where we came from haha

  • wau2 on 03/12/2023 - 19:26
    +2

    Get a dog, a massive dog. No one will go near you. Not worth the risk

    • billy72 on 04/12/2023 - 13:25
      +1

      a massive dog will be more expensive (including vet fee, foods, taking care time, etc) than any tracking and security system :)

  • Euphemistic on 03/12/2023 - 19:33
    +1

    Insurance and chill. It’s not really that common.

    • 900dollaridoos on 03/12/2023 - 23:08
      +2

      insurance is far from chill. I estimate I will lose about 20% of the cars original value to this ordeal, plus future rate rises due to the claim. I think it's only a win if its a car bought new that is claimed.

      • Hellfire on 04/12/2023 - 08:23

        Why are you losing so much? High excess?

        • gromit on 04/12/2023 - 17:20

          market values used by insurance companies are usually on the low end of red book value, anything more requires you to fight tooth and nail. The only time you really are ok is agreed value or when you have a new for old policy.

  • movieman on 03/12/2023 - 19:57

    Sad to hear this happened to you, and in Hobart.

    I loved spending time in Tassie, but a few years ago a mate of mine actually had his road bike stolen whilst sleeping in a small town, at the hotel / pub.

    As to a solution, for your next car:
    1. Steering wheel lock
    2. Park in a closed garage.
    3. If possible, see if you have any external flood lights in a sensor, and park nearby if #2 isn't possible - then hopefully the bright light 'may' deter future theives…

  • Sxio on 03/12/2023 - 20:49
    +2

    Best things are the ones that discourage intruders. Dogs are great. Fences. Fairly open front yards. Sensor lights. I'll say it again. Sensor lights.

    No criminal wants to be doing these things in a well lit area with no hiding places.

    It wasn't cheap, but we also got our place fitted with security mesh. It's still break-in-able but they'll have to smash a window to get it. There's no easy, silent sliding of things to come in unnoticed.

  • George2021 on 03/12/2023 - 21:43
    +2

    Wasp spray. It sprays around 4 metres and you can easily justify having it in your home.

  • zeomega on 03/12/2023 - 21:51
    +2

    My family has a relatively sensitive dog that barks at any odd noises. Not the kind that is yappy but will sound off a warning with couple of barks and be on high alert. When i travel for work, the wife and kids feel safe with the mid size dog at home. We are 100% a dog loving family and this is just part of the upside of having a dog.

    Don't go out a buy a dog just for security… it's a HUGE commitment and expense too.

  • Cave Fire on 03/12/2023 - 22:35
    +1

    Re your vehicle security… yes it seems like there are tools for breaking that. Had some cases of BMW's being stolen here on the gold coast, and car was running before thieves opened the car door.

  • payless69 on 04/12/2023 - 07:21

    The horse has bolted
    Too late now to think of a lock

  • JediNite77 on 04/12/2023 - 08:31
    +1

    Is it worth approaching the real estate agent / landlord about getting a gate installed at the end of the laneway ?

  • surg3on on 04/12/2023 - 09:04
    +1

    4ft partner. Either lives in Hobbiton or OP is full of shit.

  • MessyG on 04/12/2023 - 11:00
    +3

    Thieves and home invasions/burglaries whatever we're calling this now have been around long before guns and will be around long after. And as a 5 foot female I feel pretty safe in my own home. I've left the front door open all night by accident a couple of times and nothing happened. Had my car broken into once and my licence stolen, so I reported it and the cops busted them using my ID, they were drug addicts. I'd feel much more unsafe if guns were more prevalent in the community. It's bad enough walking down the street at night, let alone having to worry about if someone has a gun or not. You don't really hear calls from women for gun ownership on anywhere near the same scale as dudes and frankly I think it is because we are much more conditioned to assume danger from an early age. And as someone with kids, I never want my children having to do active shooter training. Much prefer our way of life here.

    And I think rather than a gun, therapy might be a better choice for that (very justified) anxiety.

  • FareEvader on 04/12/2023 - 11:38
    +2
    1. Guard dog: doberman, German shepard, bullmastiff, rottweiler, Boxer
    2. Full home security system: alarms, cameras, ring doorbell, lights, sirens, big gate
    3. Muay Thai lessons to build confidence (not TKD or Karate)
    4. Legal weapons (cricket bat, batton torch)
    5. Get to know your neighbours
    6. Booby traps (think Home Alone meets Cu Chi Tunnels)
  • clem0ximus on 04/12/2023 - 12:36

    You could wire up a hidden isolator switch that cuts off the battery to the ignition/rest of the car, only thing is your radio/clock will be reset every time you turn it back on. It might deter people when they go in and assume your battery is dead so they move onto the next car.

  • EvoQuattro on 04/12/2023 - 12:57
    +1

    Definitely beef up deterrents. Most burglaries are opportunistic. You said your property is out of the public eye and down a laneway - Double edged sword there. Less risk of opportunistic burglaries, but lower chance that someone would be seen/caught and hence a better target.

    Get to know your neighbours too as they can always be helpful to lookout for abnormal activity/people.

  • aumacca on 04/12/2023 - 13:22

    "All cameras are going to do is let me watch it happen". Get a camera with 'people' detection. It evaluates moving object size and then alerts you instantly. Pair with a sensor light to turn night into day for best video capture.

  • rambutann on 04/12/2023 - 13:30
    +2

    Have you considered living in an apartment if you are that worried?

  • will05 on 04/12/2023 - 16:32

    their number plate slogan – Explore the possibilities.

  • nedski on 04/12/2023 - 16:42

    Crap, I thought that if you kept your keys safe in the house that the car was pretty much unstealable. I have a 2022 Model car and now I am considering what else I can do to keep the car safe at night. (it is locked in a garage)

    • borrisz0r on 04/12/2023 - 17:02
      +2

      Maybe you should take the the wheels off and the engine out. You know, just to be safe.

      • nedski on 04/12/2023 - 17:06

        So helpful.

        • borrisz0r on 05/12/2023 - 09:06

          No probs, never can be too safe these days.

          I mean, a secure garage and keeping the keys separate just might not be enough!

    • brad1-8tsi on 04/12/2023 - 23:39
      +1

      put your keys in a faraday cage (a tin can)

  • Thaal Sinestro on 04/12/2023 - 17:23
    -6

    Australia needs a Second Amendment. Gun rights are human rights. A unarmed man or man with a melee weapon has no chance against a woman with a 20 gauge pump action shotgun.

    • cashews on 04/12/2023 - 20:35
      +2

      Why would you want Australia to be anything like the US?

      • Game R on 05/12/2023 - 09:45

        Some people treasure physical posessions more than human life. It's sad.

    • Wasabi Ninja on 05/12/2023 - 09:33

      Ive got guns. All my mates have guns. They aren’t illegal. You just have to have them registered

    • surg3on on 05/12/2023 - 12:43

      We do have a second amendment you dingus. The 1910 amendment for State Debts. To give the Commonwealth unrestricted power to take over State debts

      We have eight amendments my cursory search turned up. Perhaps you should read some.

  • poohduck on 04/12/2023 - 18:09

    big bright motion detector lights. Good locks. An air horn.

    I'm sure you could do lots of simple things to make a break in less easy. Thieves generally will take the quick easy job; I don't think they generally want to be confronted (home invasion). Just make your home look less inviting (for a thief) than those around you. You might be getting a bit carried away with "home invasion". It's not really a thing that I'm aware of in Tasmania, unless of course the invaders are known by the occupants (alcohol, drugs etc) but I'm guessing you're not in that demographic?

    I'd also get a good torch, something with turbo and strobe (zillions out there). Sofirn C8L is a good starting point. They really light up any dark areas at distance and they are blinding.

  • Yaren24 on 04/12/2023 - 21:22

    Bro you still doing mining? was your car stolen in rural?

  • brad1-8tsi on 04/12/2023 - 23:38

    Is crime really that bad in Hobart or Tasmania in general? What are the stats?

    I've lived in many Sydney suburbs and in my broader group of family, friends and work colleagues I only know of one instance of a property being illegally entered while the occupant was there.
    That was my mother at a cash business she worked at and it was fairly obvious the daily turnover was quite high and she was the only one onsite. It was crap risk management and money handling processes by her employer.
    She was 60 at the time and the assailant was armed with a revolver. What would one expect a 60yo to do beyond handing over the cash?

    I think your fears are unfounded.

    • 900dollaridoos on 05/12/2023 - 14:53
      +1

      Is crime really that bad in Hobart or Tasmania in general? What are the stats?

      If you want stats, see my ABS link above. 2% annual chance of break-ins, people are watering it down because it might not include assault but that's still an insane rate for someone illegally entering your private safe zone.

      If you want anecdotal, I did a lap of my block looking for cameras and asking for footage of my theft. From 3 neighbour interactions I have heard of 4 thefts/break-ins in just the couple surrounding streets.
      We live in a relatively nice middle class suburb with mostly wealthy older families and a fairly healthy diversity. Suburb over gets a bit rougher but its a few kms away.

      I've talked to a range of locals further away and it sounds like everyone knowns someone that's been robbed, in good and bad suburbs alike.

      Cops I spoke to made it sound like stolen cars were common too, eg the night before, one block over, a similar car was taken.

      What's quite interesting is I've recently moved here from a bunch of locations in QLD considered rough/crime prone. Everyone always spoke of how risky they were but I never heard of an actual break-in or car stealing incidence in 5 years.
      Comparatively, anyone I told that I was moving Hobart expressed how peaceful it must/will be.

      I guess reputation doesn't do much.

      • Gnostikos on 05/12/2023 - 15:33
        +1

        I mean Tasmania's police force is basically the butt of a joke of the butt of a joke, hence why the fewer amount of criminals that do exist in Tassie can probably run wild.

        Only 50% of crimes in Tasmania actually result in a charge being laid and offences across all categories of crimes are up 26% since 2022.

        Per capita the crime rate in Tasmania given the very low population is actually very high. For example, 13 murders in 2022 equals a per capita murder rate of 2.27 per 100,000. Compared to Australia's most populous state, NSW, they recorded 79 murders in 2022 which equals 0.96 per 100,000.

        If you calculate the per capita rate of most other categories of crime, you'll find Tasmania's crime rate is disproportionately higher than a lot of other far more populous states.

        This is in line with trends in the US for example, where quieter/more secluded/less populous states record disproportionately higher crime/murder rates per capita like the towns of Memphis, Detroit, Milwaukee or Atlanta which despite having populations of only ~800,000 or less, all have some of the highest per capita murder rates in the US at 48.7, 47.9, 34.4 and 32 respectively.

  • Zetrox2k on 05/12/2023 - 08:29

    Capoeira is the way.

  • Wasabi Ninja on 05/12/2023 - 09:32
    +1

    Just bought some pepper spray for my wife the other day. Still allowed to buy it in Perth.

  • Game R on 05/12/2023 - 09:37

    If you're technically capable and car knowledgable … "sabotage" your car: Pull out a key component that prevents the car from operating.

    Back in the old days with the VW Beetle's lockable engine bay, you could yank off the coil-distributor power lead and a potential theif would discover it would not start after going through all the trouble of breaking in and hotwiring it. Even if they knew the cause of the dead engine, they are certainly not willing to stay around longer to try and diagnose the problem let alone spend more effort to reattach the cable by breaking into the engine bay without the key in plain view outside.

    Nowadays with modern cars and keyless entry everywhere, it's not so simple, but the practice is still possible.

    You could remove the fuse or relay for the fuel pump and a modern car will not start at all.
    Added to that, the exact location of this fuse/relay is different between manufacturers. Even between the models of a similar brand. Some have it under the dashboard. Some in the engine bay. Some in the trunk. But most of them usually place it somewhere easily accessible: You could pop open a fuse box and pull the right fuse out and keep it in your pocket and carry it with you.

    So unless this car theif:
    1. Knows why it won't start
    2. Knows what component is missing
    3. Knows where is that component supposed to be plugged in
    4. Has an identitcal spare component on hand he could use instead (or at least technically capable of MacGuyvering it and substituting that component with a Maccas straw a tinny and a spread of Vegemite (at which point they probably deserve the car))
    They're not likely willing to spend any more time diagnosing your "self-inflicted" car problem and probably will leave it.

  • bluemagicwind on 05/12/2023 - 10:02

    If you guys don't want to read all the comments then here is the summary of discussion :)

    Alternative to Pepper Spray: Since pepper spray is banned, one user suggested making a DIY spray by infusing Carolina reaper chillis into water, oil, or vodka, which can be used in a spray bottle. This could serve as a defensive tool​​.

    Emergency Features on Smartphones: Checking for security/emergency features on your phone was recommended. Many new Android phones have features like pressing the power button five times to silently alert emergency contacts, which can be valuable in an emergency​​.

    Getting a Dog: Another user suggested getting a big dog, or even two, for home protection. Dogs can be effective deterrents against burglars and intruders​​.

    Improving Physical Security: Installing better locks and shutters was recommended to strengthen home security. This can make it significantly harder for an intruder to enter the home​​.

    Physical Fitness and Self-Defense Training: Taking self-defense classes, such as Tae Kwon Do, and improving physical fitness were also suggested. This can provide the ability to defend oneself or to escape if necessary​​.

    Using "Legal" Pepper Spray: A specific type of "legal" pepper spray available for purchase was mentioned, which might be an option for personal defense​​. https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/71416/deep-heat-spor…

    • Gnostikos on 05/12/2023 - 13:55
      +1

      Taking self-defense classes, such as Tae Kwon Do,

      For the love of God, stop mentioning TKD.

      Moe's funk dancing for self-defence is more useful in a real self-defence situation than TKD.

      I'll make it really simple for you and anyone else who thinks TKD is actually useful, the only martial arts buzzwords you need to know are: BJJ and Muay Thai. The two most accessible, practical, realistic and proven martial arts styles other than joining a dedicated MMA gym which will combine those styles with many others (but MMA gyms tend to be a little too hardcore for most laymen that are just starting out with martial arts).

  • Cluster on 05/12/2023 - 10:10

    Two houses on my street had cars broken into this year, but not mine. The difference? I have two very visible security cameras at the front of the house. After the break ins I noticed more houses now have cameras.

    Now the cameras at night see very little. If someone wears a hat there is 0.1% chance of identifying the person, but it's the deterrent that counts. This works unless you have drugged out thieves who just don't care about being caught however.

  • whorishmouth on 05/12/2023 - 10:20
    +2

    Fuel pump kill switch under the carpet at base of your seat…only you will know where it is.

    • Protractor on 05/12/2023 - 21:30

      or anyone reading this

  • whitepuma on 05/12/2023 - 13:58

    How to protect:
    - Make it harder for the criminals: Better/multiple locks, security doors/gates, roller shutters etc
    - Deter criminals or prepare yourselves: CCTV, alarms, a dog (doesn't need to be an aggressive dog, but needs to be an alert one)
    - Don't become a target: this is incredibly underrated. Many break-ins are done or orchestrated by people that know the person being robbed. Usually they know what things are worth or where they are located. So in general, don't show-boat your cash, don't be a prick, don't give people a reason to hate or rob you.

    How not to protect in Aus: Arm yourself with a weapon. Specifically don't arm yourself with a weapon you want used against you.

    I think the thing that many people need to understand is that most the time when people break into your house they usually want to steal something of value, they don't want to hurt you….but if you get aggressive or stress them out, they are more inclined to hurt you. No amount of jewellery or valuables is worth your life, so whatever they want just give it to them…..Then when they leave call the police etc.

    I was once staying at a friends place, was a situation where he lived in the apartment upstairs of the family business. Whilst i was there someone was breaking in to steal from the business. We were about to go down there armed with bats etc….but when we looked at the thief on camera it looked like they were armed with a large kitchen knife. So instead of going down there to confront the thief we just let the thief break in, take what cash was in the till, and steal a bit of stock….even if we did outnumber him, 1 clean swing with that knife could end it for any one of us and it's just not worth it.

  • Make it so on 05/12/2023 - 14:52

    Sounds like rotten luck to me. This is not something typical that you should expect to happen often.

    Burglary is different in different places; in some countries, burglaries are violent, or burglars are pros that will literally steal everything. In Australia, burglaries are opportunistic - they look for an open window/door to grab stuff quickly, and they don't hang around. They will avoid confrontation. And burglary is quite separate from car theft. My approach to car theft is to ensure "agreed value" for what it would actually cost to replace the car.

    I would not feel scared, but some common sense things you can do include a "personal alarm" (pull the pin for a very loud sound), motion-activated floodlights, and cameras (as deterrent more than anything). I'm surprised the police recommended the cricket bat, as they will be the ones arresting you if you use it against a burglar. Size doesn't matter - loud 4ft tall lady who shouts with confidence is a better defence than a hesitant scared-looking 6ft tall male.

    • 900dollaridoos on 05/12/2023 - 14:57

      I'm surprised the police recommended the cricket bat, as they will be the ones arresting you if you use it against a burglar.

      I expressed something similar to her and she (the cop) said 'it's not illegal to defend your home' just added not to use something illegal like pepperspray since I'd asked about that earlier.

      • Make it so on 06/12/2023 - 12:42
        +2

        Not illegal to defend your home, but define "defend"? I have heard of similar situations where people got successfully sued by burglars who got hurt after the owner defended themselves.

      • Gnostikos on 07/12/2023 - 15:48
        +1

        Lol, trusting cops to actually know the laws they're supposed to be enforcing is like trusting real estate agents to actually know anything about the homes they're selling or used car salesmen to actually know anything about cars.

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