Vehicle immobilisers and alarms

Australia has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the western world.

To reduce vehicle theft all new passenger cars sold in Australia since 2001 have been required to have an engine immobiliser to prevent unauthorised starting of the vehicle's engine.

This move has been very successful with theft statistics for post 2001 passenger vehicles showing a marked decline. However older vehicles and later non-passenger vehicles such as commercial utilities, some vans and some 4WDs, are not fitted with an immobiliser and are still very popular theft targets. In fact older vehicles now account for a large proportion of thefts, largely due to their inherently poor security features.

RACQ strongly recommends that older vehicles, and those without an immobiliser, be fitted with one.

There are a number of aftermarket immobilisers on the market. These range from simple jack plugs to transponder systems or radio frequency remote controls that disrupt the engine's fuel supply, ignition or starter circuits.

RACQ recommends that only immobilisers that comply with Australian Standard 4601 be used. Such systems are self-arming, which means that when you leave the car it is automatically immobilised, without you having to do anything.  For more information on immobilisers and where to get one fitted see the Immobilise Now - NMVTRC website.

There are also a number of alarms on the market that immobilise the vehicle and provide the added protection of an audible warning if the vehicle is tampered with. Look for one that complies with Australian Standard 3749.1.

There is a large range of alarms on the market with an equally large range of features, which you can tailor to suit your needs.

The following are a few commonly available features:

Central Locking enabled

This means that the system can be connected to the vehicle's Original Equipment central locking system so that the vehicle can be locked and unlocked remotely. Aftermarket central locking can usually be fitted in cases where the vehicle is not so equipped.

Code Hopping or Rolling Codes

This feature means that the system never uses the same code twice. The advantage is that it defeats car thieves who use code grabbers or scanners to disarm the system.

Current Sensing

This feature will trigger the alarm if the system senses a current draw in the electrical system, for instance when a door is opened and the interior light comes on. This function cannot be used in all vehicles as some have automatic functions that operate even when the vehicle is unattended. For example where the cooling fan can start while the vehicle is parked.

Shock Sensing

This will trigger the alarm at any attempt to force entry or, for instance, to remove a wheel.

Automatic relock

This function relocks the car automatically if a door isn't opened within about 30 seconds to two minutes of the car being unlocked with the remote control. This is to maintain security in the case of an accidental unlock.

Auto or passive arm

This means that the system arms itself so that when you leave the car it is automatically protected.

Ultrasonics

Ultrasonics detect disturbances in the air inside the vehicle that are caused by breaking a window or some other intrusion.

Microwave Sensors

Are used to detect disturbances inside a car and are useful in vehicles with a soft top.

Always choose an alarm or immobiliser that;

• complies with the appropriate Australian Standard
• is a brand that is well known and has been on the market for some time
• has appropriate back up service and warranty

For more information about car theft visit the Car Safe Website.