Car battery theft--OT

[Joe Flanagan]

I've heard there was a device that will prevent someone from stealing your car battery. I've searched around but haven't found any such thing. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a battery lock (or strap) that will prevent theft? I suppose installing a hood lock is an option, too. Has anyone got any experience with those?

Thanks.

[Merle Coggins]

Is battery theft a big problem in your area? I've never heard of that. Around here they'll steal the whole car or just the license plates.

Merle

[TodFitch]

I've heard there was a device that will prevent someone from stealing your car battery. I've searched around but haven't found any such thing. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a battery lock (or strap) that will prevent theft? I suppose installing a hood lock is an option, too. Has anyone got any experience with those?

Thanks.

I suspect that if you keep the original 6v system the battery would be less valuable to a thief.

Of course a dumb thief might not notice that the battery won't work for him and take it anyway.

You could get an older car where the batter is under the driver's seat. Makes it a bit more difficult to steal.

[Joe Flanagan]

This is for a car in Puerto Rico. An old Chevy Blazer.

[Big_John]

There used to be a lock that went on the battery hold down. It was kind of like a wheel lock, the key cylinder was in the center and you inserted the key so you could unscrew the lock. I think it was a Cal Custom or Mr Gasket piece. I might even have one kicking around here.

Not very good, it looked pretty easy to get around. Best bet would be to lock down the hood.

[Don Coatney]

Of course a dumb thief might not notice that the battery won't work for him and take it anyway.

Is there such a thing as a smart thief?

[Plymouthy Adams]

Is there such a thing as a smart thief?

politician comes to mind...

[greg g]

I don't know why you are demeaning common thieves by comparing them to politicians.

Remember the saying Honor among thieves??? Try applying that to our esteemed public servants.............

[Plymouthy Adams]

they tend to be smart enough to write the law with the loophole only they know the workaround..end up making money hand over fist..first by underhanded dealing and second for bailing you out when you failed to do it right..

[Joe Flanagan]

Hood locks, then? For some reason, batteries don't last long in Puerto Rico. Seems like all you can buy are these no-name brands that last 9 months and crap out--if they're not stolen first. They managed to get the hood open without breaking into the car, which is fortunate. Sticky fingers.

[Jerry Roberts]

How about a chain and a padlock . That is what I used back before locking hoods became common . Used on the hood .

[Don Coatney]

Hood locks, then? For some reason, batteries don't last long in Puerto Rico. Seems like all you can buy are these no-name brands that last 9 months and crap out--if they're not stolen first. They managed to get the hood open without breaking into the car, which is fortunate. Sticky fingers.

I dont know as I have never spent 9 months (actually not even a minute) in Puerto Rico.

But thanks for the warning. If and when I go I will be careful with the batteries I purchase.

[JIPJOBXX]

How about a Colt 45!

[PatS....]

Are the batteries wanted for use in a car or for scrap value?? I have left batteries by the trash stand here and they are gone before the garbage day every time.

Have not heard of one being stolen from a vehicle though.

[Joe Flanagan]

At the risk of being politically incorrect, this IS Puerto Rico. There is a lot of theft. At the local inspection station there is an advertisement announcing that a certain person will pay cash for batteries. That's probably where the stolen ones are going. The poverty level is high and batteries are expensive, so that is an added motivation to steal them, I suppose.