Disklok first appeared in the car security market around 20 years ago, when car theft was a common and resurgent problem in Britain. However, it appeared that from the mid 2000’s onwards, car security had become so advanced that car theft was a dwindling crime. So what’s changed?
It is something that you may well have read about, following features by the BBC, The Times and also a demonstration on Top Gear. The keyless entry system, supposedly the next step in car security, has in fact proved to be easy for thieves to steal high-end vehicles. It has become such a problem in London that Police are apparently now routinely stopping various makes of vehicles to make sure the owner of the car is driving. According to Car Throttle, keyless entry was responsible for 42 percent of car theft in London last year with 6000 cases.
With many car manufacturers now using keyless entry (whilst it is mainly high end, such as Mercedes and BMW, there are Toyota and Ford examples too), it is a worrying statistic. It isn’t just in London that there has been a noticeable increase either. This article in the Manchester Evening News highlights similar problems.
So just how are thieves stealing these cars so easily? And how can the Disklok help?
Of course, Keyless Entry for the outside lock has been around for years, but it is the more recent models with Keyless Ignitions that have become an increased targets for thieves. These updated systems essentially mean that thieves can ‘hotwire’ your car without any wiring involved. All they need are re-programming devices that are easily bought over the internet from Eastern European and Chinese companies for as little as £10. These devices allow them to hack into your car’s system through the diagnostic port, before it can be reprogrammed to recognise a new fob for entry. Some are even fitted with torches to help them work in the dark!
So for all the hi-tech modern security within cars, the Disklok still remains the best option for deterring thieves. First of all it will act as a huge visual deterrent, as the majority of them approaching your car will leave it if they see a Disklok on sight. Secondly, if they do try and get it off, it will have to be done with a saw or similar object, and will take around 30 minutes to an hour to remove (plus creating lots of noise.) We are sure you will agree with us that few thieves are willing to take that risk at any time of day or night. It works by spinning on attack, preventing the security lock on the steering wheel from being removed.
Following this recent spate of thefts, the Disklok has been recommended from a variety of sources, ranging from an article in The Sunday Times, to respected car websites such as driving.co.uk, Honest John, car ownership forums such as Range Rover Evoque and The Met Police themselves – they recommend purchasing a steering wheel lock for any electronically controlled car.
