Auto theft deterrents

boston23 · May 6, 2020

xerogs1 said: ↑

I grew up in Albuquerque and currently live here so I totally understand your concern. All of this is based off my time and experience here and when I lived in Tempe Arizona.

First look up the rate at which Tacoma's are stolen in New Mexico I am not sure they are high on the list as much as full size domestic trucks and some import sedans. There might be some anti-theft option already on the vehicle that makes them less of a target. The car thieves around here aren't the brightest bulbs in the batch so I don't see them boosting your key codes but if that is a concern keep your keys well inside your house away from your walls/doors or in an RFID pouch. Thieves do tend to adapt but high tech isn't their strong suit in my opinion since they tend to be high school drop outs with born to lose tattooed all over their face.

Garage your truck this will keep the overnight zombies from pilfering items in your car. Also don't leave anything in plain sight, they are looking for quick easy scores so they can keep fending off the DTs. Tinting might help some but I've never seen it slow down a motivated dirtbag.

There are some Facebook groups dedicated to crime and car theft that are worth keeping an eye on as well as looking at the type of crimes in your neighborhood there is a crime map website which is helpful too.

Keep your truck locked and don't warm it up in the winter unattended. A lot of car thefts occur when people warm up their cars in the winter and leave the keys in the car. Also be aware when entering your truck or backing out of your garage. Don't leave the truck running even if you just have to run inside for a quick sec. Never leave the keys in your truck even in the garage.

Wheel locks, brake locks, spare tire locks, tail gate locks, license plate security screws, and even alarms are just deterrents but they do cut down on those thieves looking for an easy score.

One thing a lot of people miss and I still need to get mine done is get your windows etched with your VIN#. Windows are a high value item and etched windows are a deterrent for thieves looking to sell to chop shops.

Make any external mod items as difficult to steal as possible. It may only slow them down but it means they are adding on risk by taking time.

Try to make your truck as visible as possible when parking it and if parked outside overnight a security cam might help alert you to any shenanigans (at the very least it might ID the thief).

There is only so much you can do. I've had stereos stolen, head lights stolen, side mirrors stolen, tools taken, had my car vandalized (this was in Southie so shit happens in any city), gas siphoned, and license plates taken. A car alarm with an impact sensor saved one of my Jeeps from being stolen (~1994) so they do help in my opinion. The one thing that helped the most for the past 20 years was just parking my vehicles in a garage and keeping the interior looking bare when parked anywhere else and if I felt like an area was sketchy (like UNM G or Q parking lots) I would use my brake lock even though I know they can be easily defeated. It's more of a visible sign to thieves that I am aware and willing make things difficult for them if that makes sense. If I drove a full sized Chevy or Ford truck I would be more concerned about theft since they seem to get taken pretty frequently.

Here are a couple decent information sites so of it is dated but it hasn't changed all that much over the years:
https://www.cabq.gov/police/crime-prevention-safety/auto-theft
http://www.rmiia.org/auto/auto_theft/new_mexico_auto_theft_statistics.asp
Click to expand...

Wow thanks for taking the time to write this up. I dont have a garage so I just try to keep the interior looking empty. I’ll check out those links. Hopefully living on the west side will help; thing seem a little quieter over here

AMC_Unlimited · May 6, 2020

Got the OEM alarm upgraded with the glass break sensor. In addition I use a set of sunshades from Amazon to keep my interior out of view:

Reflective Front Seat Side Window Sunshade for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Toyota Tacoma

$30 Set of 2 Custom Fit Automotive Reflective Front Seat Side Window Sunshade for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721R1J6F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EF1SEbEGNB237

Reflective Rear Seat Side Window Sunshade for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

$25 Set of 2 Custom Fit Automotive Reflective Rear Seat Side Window Sunshade for 2016 2017 2018 2019 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DMD4RWP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SG1SEbYBHGQ5R

Edit:
Don’t forget to keep your fobs secured
Faraday Key Fob Protector Box, RFID Signal Blocking Box

$14 briidea Faraday Box Key Fob Protector, RFID Signal Blocking Box, Faraday Box Signal Blocking Shielding Box for Car Key (Capacity(5-8Keys))

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W94QLKM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_W31SEbGB91PXD

Something to think about:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lock-up-your-keyfobs.648146/

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Auto theft deterrents

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boston23 [OP] Well-Known Member

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Auto theft deterrents

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boston23 [OP] Well-Known Member

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AMC_Unlimited For he is limitless (sometimes)

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