Theft Prevention
Discussion
Hi,
My Caterham will usually be locked away in an alarmed and CCTV monitored garage, but I intend to take it on a long (4 weeks) European tour, where inevitably it will be parked in the open (i.e. car parks etc). Some of the time it will be parked next to me (i.e. I'm going to camp sometimes) but in cities this will not be possible.
The question is, what could I do to minimise the risk of it being stolen?
I've got a GPS tracker which I use on my other cars, and there's the Caterham immobiliser thingy (is it any good?) but I was wondering what other devices do people use to deter thieves?
...are Caterhams a desirable target for a car thief, or are they too obscure to be of interest? (it will be a RHD in LHD countries)
Dave.
My Caterham will usually be locked away in an alarmed and CCTV monitored garage, but I intend to take it on a long (4 weeks) European tour, where inevitably it will be parked in the open (i.e. car parks etc). Some of the time it will be parked next to me (i.e. I'm going to camp sometimes) but in cities this will not be possible.
The question is, what could I do to minimise the risk of it being stolen?
I've got a GPS tracker which I use on my other cars, and there's the Caterham immobiliser thingy (is it any good?) but I was wondering what other devices do people use to deter thieves?
...are Caterhams a desirable target for a car thief, or are they too obscure to be of interest? (it will be a RHD in LHD countries)
Dave.
Taken mine all over Europe and the U.K. and have never had any theft or attempted theft (that I’m aware of).
Combination of choosing parking carefully, removing anything from the car that can be taken, use the roof/tonneau and, sometimes, remove something critical from under the bonnet before leaving it unattended for any length of time.
They’re not that desirable to scrotes anyway, probably because despite the driving experience they’re too raw and open, and too conspicuous.
Difficult to sell on too without knowing/proving a car’s history and stolen ones are usually flagged through the L7 fraternity.
Combination of choosing parking carefully, removing anything from the car that can be taken, use the roof/tonneau and, sometimes, remove something critical from under the bonnet before leaving it unattended for any length of time.
They’re not that desirable to scrotes anyway, probably because despite the driving experience they’re too raw and open, and too conspicuous.
Difficult to sell on too without knowing/proving a car’s history and stolen ones are usually flagged through the L7 fraternity.
dabevan said:
...are Caterhams a desirable target for a car thief, or are they too obscure to be of interest? (it will be a RHD in LHD countries)
Going by my insurance premium to park one on the street in London, they are not desirable! (touches wood 
)Especially if you have a detachable steering wheel, they will be so obscure and unexpected by any car thief that they won't be interested.
Still, I'd avoid valet parking...
dabevan said:
...are Caterhams a desirable target for a car thief, or are they too obscure to be of interest? (it will be a RHD in LHD countries)
Like others I've travelled a lot around the UK and Europe and its been fine as long as you are sensible. I assume you mean stealing the whole car rather than stuff from the car itself? i've left it open and without tonneau on all day by the road side to dry it out but obviously empty of anything or likewise parked it up at the services or overnight and simply put the cover on so nothing is obviously on display.
To save the car being stolen, you could use a padlock and chain similar to bikers and either lock it up to a nearby post or simply put the chain through the wheel and front wishbone. Just remember to remove them before driving off!
Personally I don't think they are attractive at all to a thief to steal as mentioned above plus its not like a group can get into it and use it as a taxi or it can be used for a smash and grab and plied full of stolen TV's
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