Battery switch activation via security system?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by mkassab

And, yes, I know this is all an overkill, but I can't help myself.... I love "gizmos and gadets". Over engineering isn't bad, is it?
Mark

I think that will certainly stop impromptu, drive-away, amateur thefts. But, if I was going to steal your car, and I had no idea what sort of security/protection you had, I would just pop the hood, cut the big battery cable, and tow it away on my flatbed with a car cover over it. Thoughts:

1) Does your security system continue to work/notify you if the 12v battery is cut?

2) A very simple, fast & friendly theft deterrent is a quick-release steering hub. A thief sees that the car has no steering wheel and quickly realizes that the only way he can steal it is with a tow. You can either lock the steering wheel in the trunk, or take it in to the restaurant with you (yes, Chas., that was for you). Removing the steering wheel also discourages people from sitting behind the wheel and playing "vrrooomm, vrrooomm."

3) Consider some obvious physical security to thwart pushing/towing away. What I use from time to time is a very heavy cable lock looped through the wheels. I have even seen cars that ran an extra cable around a telephone pole, or the like, when parked, maybe at a hotel, away from home. It's very simple to carry in the trunk. That will stop most tow away/push away thefts. You need a pretty serious set of cutters to get through this type of cable. Here's a pic: