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#277472 - 12/03/2006 20:24 Amps stolen... now what....?
loren
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
In Sept. my Valentine One was stolen from my WRX, parked out on the street in front of my apartment. I know... stupid of me to leave it mounted in the first place. Thing was, they rifled through the car, pulled the rear seats down, and took nothing else. Left my two JL Audio amps under the seat, 10" sub in an easily removable box, skateboard in the back, a tool kit, and various other mostly worthless items. I figured they just did a quick look through and didn't see the amps, and couldn't get to the sub because my kite buggy was sorta on top of it. Had my empeg inside of course, so they didn't get that. THE KICKER - no broken glass. No punched locks. No signs of forced entry period. Great.

Yesterday, I got that same sick feeling as I walked up to my car and saw things laying on my seat that I know I didn't leave there. This time they took the JL amps, and ripped out my ash tray for no reason whatsoever, and again left everything else, pretty much the same stuff was in the car last time (minus the V1 which now comes inside with me in the empeg bag), but strewn about. No signs of forced entry.

So I'm left with the conclusion that they'll be back for my sub at some point, and that there's not shite I can do about it. I never paid to have an alarm installed on this car because I couldn't afford it, and they are more of an annoyance with false alarms and whatnot that no one pays attention to anyway. While I have a feeling it wouldn't deter these thieves, that's now looking like a mistake.

WHAT DO I DO?! I'm seriously contemplating whether or not I should just put the stock radio back in, get some sort of iPod Aux in, remove the sub and be done with it. I just can't get over the feeling that they can just get whatever they want whenever they want out of my car because it must be incredibly easy to slim jim, or they have a roaming remote unlocker. I can't afford a super amazing alarm nor a super stealthy welded to the frame install. This sucks.
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|| loren ||

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#277473 - 12/03/2006 20:50 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
pgrzelak
carpal tunnel

Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Not again!!! No jury in the world would convict you of homocide if you find out who did it!
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs

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#277474 - 12/03/2006 20:50 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
Robotic
pooh-bah

Registered: 06/04/2005
Posts: 2026
Loc: Seattle transplant
Man, that really blows! It really makes you feel helpless and even violated.

What does a garage space cost in the city?
At some point, the cost of the garage = cost of valuable equipment.

I guess your next step is to remove everything of value from the car.
I knew someone who just left their car unlocked with a sign in the window "NO RADIO".
They never left anything in the car and it wasn't anything special to begin with.
I guess that's the price of living in SF.

/bummed for you.
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10101466 (2x60GB, Eutronix/GreenLights Blue) (Stolen!)

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#277475 - 13/03/2006 01:22 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: Robotic]
loren
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
A garage is at LEAST $200/month. My deductible is $250. It just doesn't make sense to pay that much for a garage... my car doesn't get broken into THAT often. I'd FEEL more secure but I couldn't afford it. I'd rather put that much towards a new apartment/house and just move.

I love my empeg and the thought of having to deal with an iPod in the car isn't appealing in the least. Ugh. Might be the best idea though.
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|| loren ||

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#277476 - 13/03/2006 01:58 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31563
Loc: Seattle, WA
I'm so sorry to hear that, Loren. You have the worst luck with thefts.
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Tony Fabris

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#277477 - 13/03/2006 02:36 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
Shonky
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/01/2002
Posts: 2009
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Bad luck.

What I'm more interested in is how they got in in the first place. Is there some trick that lets them get around the frameless windows or something to the door lock? Perhaps from the window on one side to the door lock on the other with a long pole/stick or something?

WRXes are frequently knocked off and used for ram raids over here - to the point that Subaru started fitting immobilisers to models even 3 or 4 years old just to try and stop the insurance premium going through the roof. So they must be fairly easy to get into.
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Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)

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#277478 - 13/03/2006 12:16 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
n2toh
journeyman

Registered: 29/01/2001
Posts: 89
Loc: New Jersey, United States
loren

can you post a pic of the inside of your drivers door? I want to see the location of the power lock buttons. As I recall from my days being "parking attendent" at several NJIT parties in Newark cars with frameless windows were a joke to break into.
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#277479 - 13/03/2006 16:20 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: n2toh]
loren
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
I figured that was the way they got in but upon inspection of the windows, I couldn't pry them back despite them being frameless. Now, with a tool of some sort I'm sure it's easy. The unlock button faces directly up on the arm rest, so if you could get a rod in there it would be a snap to unlock. But I didn't see any scratches or marring on the plastic or windows. I too would love to know how they are getting in. Then maybe I could do SOMETHING. I'm actually going to unplug the armrest lock switch... thanks for making me think of that.
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|| loren ||

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#277480 - 13/03/2006 18:24 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
n2toh
journeyman

Registered: 29/01/2001
Posts: 89
Loc: New Jersey, United States
I haven't tried to open any car in years, but when I did I used to use the whip antenna from my ham radio to push the unlock button.

something you may want to try is adding a relay to disable the buttons for the power lock system when the engine is off. something the auto makers could easily do but a $1 mosfet transistorXmillions of cars cuts into their bottom line.
_________________________
The only difference between science fiction and reality is about 60 years.
100GB MK2 Green 080000171 + OEM tuner
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#277481 - 13/03/2006 23:44 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
rob
carpal tunnel

Registered: 21/05/1999
Posts: 5335
Loc: Cambridge UK
When I managed to lock the keys in my Supra (with engine running.. don't ask) me and Rob S screwed around with a bit of coathanger for an hour or more without success. We even had a spare Supra with door panels removed to practice on!

A quick upgrade of AA service to Home Start, and the very very nice man showed up with the official AA car crime kit. Two wedges hammered in to lever the door glass outward, long pokey thing inserted into vehicle, electic window activated (since ignition was on), job done. Less than a minute. If the ignition hadn't been on I guess it would have taken at least an extra 15 seconds to hook the door release.

The new motor has deadlocks, and a damn good job too! Sadly still no answer to the brick through window approach which seems to be the chav entry method of choice around here.

Rob

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#277482 - 14/03/2006 00:20 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: rob]
n2toh
journeyman

Registered: 29/01/2001
Posts: 89
Loc: New Jersey, United States
the answer to the brick is speed glass, that stuff will stop a 20 pound sledge hammer.
_________________________
The only difference between science fiction and reality is about 60 years.
100GB MK2 Green 080000171 + OEM tuner
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#277483 - 14/03/2006 00:37 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: rob]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
Quote:
the very very nice man showed up with the official AA car crime kit.


Ahh yes, something similar (but with engine off) happened with Laura's van a couple of years ago at one of the Ohio meets. In that instance, we got a State Trooper to demo his "car care kit", also complete with hammer-in wedges and shim tools etc..

Took him much longer though; I guess those guys don't get as much practice on that side of the "fence"..

-ml

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#277484 - 14/03/2006 01:07 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: mlord]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#277485 - 14/03/2006 03:29 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
FireFox31
pooh-bah

Registered: 19/09/2002
Posts: 2494
Loc: East Coast, USA
I wonder:
If Subaru has this common problem, there MUST be an aftermarket security solution for it. If not, I should quit my job, make one, and profit.

Might Subaru even make a bolt-on security upgrade if this is so common?

I also wonder how the thieves know to target you? Regardless, they know now. So, if you strip it to stock for a few months, maybe they'll hit again, find nothing, and be gone for good. Maybe a very stealth install is needed when you put the gear back in.

Last option: sniper rifle + rooftop = no more radio thieft.
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FireFox31
110gig MKIIa (30+80), Eutronix lights, 32 meg stacked RAM, Filener orange gel lens, Greenlights Lit Buttons green set

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#277486 - 14/03/2006 03:46 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: FireFox31]
n2toh
journeyman

Registered: 29/01/2001
Posts: 89
Loc: New Jersey, United States
A stealth install is usualy a good choice. When I had my Jeep the amp was installed under the dash above the steering shaft. I had considered putting it under the drivers seat, but that wouldn't have lasted as I've forded it thru deep enough water to flood the floor boards.
_________________________
The only difference between science fiction and reality is about 60 years.
100GB MK2 Green 080000171 + OEM tuner
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#277487 - 14/03/2006 08:29 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: mlord]
Laura
pooh-bah

Registered: 16/06/2000
Posts: 1682
Loc: Greenhills, Ohio
Oh, thanks for the reminder guys. I now carry a spare key on my work key ring attached to my belt loop, it won't happen again
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Laura

MKI #017/90

whatever

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#277488 - 14/03/2006 12:24 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: pgrzelak]
ithoughti
old hand

Registered: 17/07/2001
Posts: 721
Loc: Boston, MA USA
Quote:
Not again!!! No jury in the world would convict you of homocide if you find out who did it!



I know that Loren lives in San Fran, but that's a bit over the top don't you think?!

Anyway, Loren...my WRX sedan was busted open and all my stuff (sub and amps) was stolen from the trunk. They just used a screwdriver to pop the trunk and that's it. Lock still works and everything. I would suggest making one of those fake stock looking faceplates or something. I don't know though, looks like you're targeted. Maybe get a rattlesnake to hang out in the back.
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//matt

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#277489 - 14/03/2006 12:34 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: ithoughti]
pgrzelak
carpal tunnel

Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Note to self: investigate spell checkers for firefox.

Edit: Or, better yet, turn on the autofix option of the google toolbar already installed...


Edited by pgrzelak (14/03/2006 12:36)
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Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs

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#277490 - 14/03/2006 14:45 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
matthew_k
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
Well, I personally have always wondered what a properly installed system bought entirely at Target would sound like. I seriously considered it when my amp was stolen, but havn't had any problems since.

I've also always wondered about those two-way alarms with the pager remotes. When I was getting an alarm installed they seemed to be ebay-only and reputable places wouldn't touch them, so I assumed they were crap. Hopefully they've had time to evolve.

Matthew

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#277491 - 14/03/2006 14:55 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: matthew_k]
n2toh
journeyman

Registered: 29/01/2001
Posts: 89
Loc: New Jersey, United States
Quote:
Well, I personally have always wondered what a properly installed system bought entirely at Target would sound like. I seriously considered it when my amp was stolen, but havn't had any problems since.

I've also always wondered about those two-way alarms with the pager remotes. When I was getting an alarm installed they seemed to be ebay-only and reputable places wouldn't touch them, so I assumed they were crap. Hopefully they've had time to evolve.

Matthew


I was very happy with my DEI 2 way system utill the 2 way remote died about 18 months after I installed it, a replacement remote was $80
_________________________
The only difference between science fiction and reality is about 60 years.
100GB MK2 Green 080000171 + OEM tuner
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#277492 - 14/03/2006 17:48 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: n2toh]
loren
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
I wanted to go the 2-way route initially, but I know it would lead to me jumping out of bed 10 times a month running to my car and finding nothing. Alarms get tripped so often by people bumper car parking, or by vibrations from a bus going by that it's pretty much worthless around here.

Sigh. I still can't decide what to do about it. I don't even have time to think about it for the next couple of weeks. Suck.
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|| loren ||

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#277493 - 14/03/2006 18:15 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
tanstaafl.
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/07/1999
Posts: 5539
Loc: Ajijic, Mexico
Alarms get tripped so often by people bumper car parking, or by vibrations from a bus going by that it's pretty much worthless around here.

The sensitivity of the alarm is adjustable. In your case, there is no reason to have a hair-trigger response. Set it so that a major impact is needed to trigger it, but also set it so any door, trunk, or hatch being opened will trigger it. They can't steal your stuff without opening a door.

My alarm is set up so that just moving a door handle sets it off, but I can shut my tailgate with impunity.

tanstaafl.
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"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"

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#277494 - 14/03/2006 20:23 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
RobotCaleb
pooh-bah

Registered: 15/01/2002
Posts: 1866
Loc: Austin
Webcam out the window using Motion to watch your car and notify you when someone walks up to it.

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#277495 - 14/03/2006 20:27 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: RobotCaleb]
matthew_k
pooh-bah

Registered: 12/02/2002
Posts: 2298
Loc: Berkeley, California
Street parking in san francisco probably means that loren is probably lucky to park within five blocks of his appartment. I've always wanted security cameras inside my car, I just never wanted to deal with the batteries necessary.

Matthew

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#277496 - 14/03/2006 21:58 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: pgrzelak]
Waterman981
old hand

Registered: 14/02/2002
Posts: 804
Loc: Salt Lake City, UT
Quote:
Note to self: investigate spell checkers for firefox.

Edit: Or, better yet, turn on the autofix option of the google toolbar already installed...

Or there is the SpellBound Development version which works with 1.5.0.1. You can get the dev version from here, then after installing it, you will need to install new dictionaries.
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#040103696 on a shelf
Mk2a - 90 GB - Red - Illuminated buttons

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#277497 - 14/03/2006 22:34 Re: Amps stolen... now what....? [Re: loren]
n2toh
journeyman

Registered: 29/01/2001
Posts: 89
Loc: New Jersey, United States
Quote:
I wanted to go the 2-way route initially, but I know it would lead to me jumping out of bed 10 times a month running to my car and finding nothing. Alarms get tripped so often by people bumper car parking, or by vibrations from a bus going by that it's pretty much worthless around here.

Sigh. I still can't decide what to do about it. I don't even have time to think about it for the next couple of weeks. Suck.


I didn't connect the shock sensor just the doors, trunk, and hood+ the kill switch. it will let you crank over the engine but it will never fire.
_________________________
The only difference between science fiction and reality is about 60 years.
100GB MK2 Green 080000171 + OEM tuner
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