Theft Prevention: How to Decrease the Likelihood of Our 392s Getting Stolen

byhumba

Well-known member
🪙 Founding Member
🏆 Jeep 392 of the Month
Joined
Apr 7, 2021
Messages
710
Reaction score
935
Location
SoCal
Sadly, here we go. The first stolen 392 reported Here. This is infuriating! Someone tried to steal my 2003 Rubicon that had a "high tech" Viper alarm system and a hidden kill switch about 10 years ago. The alarm system was bypassed, but my $30 (price 10 yrs ago) kill switch saved the day as it could not be found.

This video shows how easy it is to steal vehicles with a key FOB. I bought my 392 at MSRP with the agreement of purchasing the Mopar EVTS (electronic vehicle tracking system). Basically it follows your vehicle's every single move, good in the event the vehicle is flat bedded. Of course, this system is useless without the yearly fee for the monitoring agency. I haven't decided on whether it is worth it or not...after two days of ownership 🙂.

Ravelco is a very expensive kill switch, but appears to work. I'm planning on just making my own, or buying, a kill switch again. Our Jeeps are going to be (already are?) highly desired by thieves.

Have you had experience with theft prevention devices in the past? Or, what will you do (if anything) to protect against car theft?
 
Last edited:
Sadly, here we go. The first stolen 392 reported Here. This is infuriating! Someone tried to steal my 2003 Rubicon that had a "high tech" Viper alarm system and a hidden kill switch about 10 years ago. The alarm system was bypassed, but my $30 (price 10 yrs ago) kill switch saved the day as it could not be found.

This video shows how easy it is to steal vehicles with a key FOB. I bought my 392 at MSRP with the agreement of purchasing the Mopar EVTS (electronic vehicle tracking system). Basically it follows your vehicle's every single move, good in the event the vehicle is flat bedded. Of course, this system is useless without the yearly fee for the monitoring agency. I haven't decided on whether it is worth it or not...after two days of ownership 🙂.

LoJack is a very expensive kill switch, but appears to work. I'm planning on just making my own, or buying, a kill switch again. Our Jeeps are going to be (already are?) highly desired by thieves.

Have you had experience with theft prevention devices in the past? Or, what will you do (if anything) to protect against car theft?
I haven't dove into my researching on the whole vehicle theft prevention, but one of my first steps while I'm waiting is I've already been researching hood locks, as it's so easy to walk up to any Wrangler and pop the hood.
 
I haven't dove into my researching on the whole vehicle theft prevention, but one of my first steps while I'm waiting is I've already been researching hood locks, as it's so easy to walk up to any Wrangler and pop the hood.
I love Tuffy products. I have some in my 2003 TJ Wrangler and they have been wonderful, including the hood lock for the TJ. Too bad they don't have it for the JL models yet.

 
One of the first things I did was install a Bolt hood lock. Quick, easy install and works only with your factory key. Since I had the grill off anyway, changed it out for the OEM satin black grill.
 
One of the first things I did was install a Bolt hood lock. Quick, easy install and works only with your factory key. Since I had the grill off anyway, changed it out for the OEM satin black grill.
Which bolt hood lock works with the factory key? Do you have a link?
 
One of the first things I did was install a Bolt hood lock. Quick, easy install and works only with your factory key. Since I had the grill off anyway, changed it out for the OEM satin black grill.
I think I found the Hood lock. Seems to have great reviews. Do you like it? If you have the front facing camera, does it interfere with it?
 
I think I found the Hood lock. Seems to have great reviews. Do you like it? If you have the front facing camera, does it interfere with it?
61B3A290-1D93-45ED-AD42-4D3E979BAC20.jpeg
 
Looks like you found the Bolt JL lock. It does fit where the camera would go, but I can't see any reason it (the camera) couldn't be easily relocated slightly lower. The lock is super simple to "program", just install (I bought a heavy-duty riveter for $15) then insert your key & turn. That's it! The included grill insert is not for the Gladiator/392 grill so some of the plastic has to be cut away (easy) to fit. To me, it's a "must have".
 
It seems the camera is part of the grill insert. They are fused together.

Can you please share some pics whe you have some time of how it is installed to get an idea?

Resized_20210822_115624.jpeg


Resized_20210822_115415.jpeg
 
My bad re: the camera relocation. I was thinking of an aftermarket camera (e.g. Tazer) rather than the stock camera. Barring a factory relocation solution (which I doubt) the camera would have to be moved as that's where the Bolt cutout would go. Since the grill material is fairly soft plastic (poly?) and me being the adventuresome sort, I'd probably try to move the camera down a space or two and plastic weld or wire it in place. Assuming of course that the wiring cooperates. I modified my grill by using a plastic cutting blade in a solder gun BUT I do not have the factory camera as he most costly aftermarket camera is only $180.
 
Several options out there for the two outer hood catch locks for those with cameras looking to secure the hood. Rampage comes to mind…
 
As far as security, my local dealer does a no-cost install of Apex Protect on all of their vehicles. Only drawback is after the initial subscription (3-5 year depending on models and trim) the owner has to subscribe. But I do like it, and it’s almost impossible to find if you don’t know to look for it.
 
Sadly, here we go. The first stolen 392 reported Here. This is infuriating! Someone tried to steal my 2003 Rubicon that had a "high tech" Viper alarm system and a hidden kill switch about 10 years ago. The alarm system was bypassed, but my $30 (price 10 yrs ago) kill switch saved the day as it could not be found.

This video shows how easy it is to steal vehicles with a key FOB. I bought my 392 at MSRP with the agreement of purchasing the Mopar EVTS (electronic vehicle tracking system). Basically it follows your vehicle's every single move, good in the event the vehicle is flat bedded. Of course, this system is useless without the yearly fee for the monitoring agency. I haven't decided on whether it is worth it or not...after two days of ownership 🙂.

LoJack is a very expensive kill switch, but appears to work. I'm planning on just making my own, or buying, a kill switch again. Our Jeeps are going to be (already are?) highly desired by thieves.

Have you had experience with theft prevention devices in the past? Or, what will you do (if anything) to protect against c

I just installed the locks from Rampage…seems to be a good product.
I had a YJ that had a "under dash key-locking hood latch". I have been unable to find another one. Have you seen anything like that?
 
I just installed the locks from Rampage…seems to be a good product.
What is your opinion on this Rampage product? There are multiple options resembling the design costing less, but of course I rather go with quality products over just less expensive (unless quality of less expensive products is the same as higher priced ones).
 
What is your opinion on this Rampage product? There are multiple options resembling the design costing less, but of course I rather go with quality products over just less expensive (unless quality of less expensive products is the same as higher priced ones).
The product seems well built. It is heavier than the stock latches and does not feel cheap at all. It may take a few attempts to get them aligned to your liking but well worth it to me.
 
One way I use my Club (meant for steering wheels) in my 2003 TJ when parking in questionable areas, is by placing it through my accelerator/brake/clutch pedals with the keyhole facing away. Sadly, I can't do that in my 392.
 

Create an account or login to comment

Join now to leave a comment enjoy browsing the site ad-free!

Create account

Create an account on our community. It's easy!

Log in

Already have an account? Log in here.

Back
Top