George Macdonald <fammacd=!SPAM^nothanks@tellurian.com> spake unto the
masses in news:m61nuvkqppsbuaajjno9jmvaiiudj5hll8@4ax.com:

> On Thu, 25 Dec 2003 19:08:51 -0500, "Robert11" <rgsxrose@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
>>Hello:
>>
>>Have a new Accord, and am a bit concerned about theft.
>>
>>Was wondering how effective the "micro-chip key" that is apparently
>>required to start the engine "really" is in deterring theft ?
>
> From what I've seen of the technology up to 2001 models, they're
> usually good for a few years. It takes a couple of years before
> locksmiths get new equipment which can decode them - add a couple more
> for the thieves to ummm, "acquire" the equipment.
>
>>Or, is it mostly a "feel-good" kind of thing ?
>>
>>If it is effective, how is it that the Accords are about the most
>>stolen vehicles ? How is it done then; are they just towed ?
>
> Towing is what the real pros will do.


Or they strip the car on-site.

Close to my house--but in an unlit rural area--is a '98 Integra Type-R. It
has an immobilizer. One night two weeks ago, some crooks came by when no
one was home and stripped the car of its bumpers, headlights, taillights
and OEM alloy wheels.

That's probably close to $4,000 Cdn. of good-condition OEM equipment, gone.
Just like that. Immobilizer meant nothing here.

However, immobilizers are *very* effective against your average joyrider.
According to my insurance broker, immobilizers are responsible for a
dramatic decrease in theft claims, since most thefts are by casual thieves.


--
TeGGeR®