Help with theft and car locks
 

About a week ago I went to my car to find the trunk open and the door unlocked. I feared the worst but they didn't take anything (anything that I cared about. ie amps/sub)

To keep this short, I can't figure out why they would break into my car. I took a lot more effort when installing to keep this car looking stock to prevent this. The fact that they didn't take any of the stereo equipment leads me to believe that they didn't know I had any. I thought they would comeback, so I took the amps and the sub out. I also placed tape in a way so I could see if my car was entered, and it hasn't since.


The only reason I can come up with as to why they would break into my car is that they got some of these keys(below) and gave it a try on my old car (97 sunfire).
http://www.lock-picking.org/images/l...s-for-cars.jpg

What I'm wondering is if I can buy a new lock that would be at least harder for someone to pick. Or maybe these keys work that well?
The real question is though, how much would it cost to get a lock and install it.

To save money, I was thinking I could 'disable' the passenger keylock (it doesn't work anyways) and the trunk (can be opened form inside) Though, I'm not sure it could be done easily.

Thanks for the help and opinion.

Time for a good 2-way alarm system. Changing the locks in a car isn't practicle since each car has different lock hardware. in my old car I had my alarm/starte unlocking all my doors electronically and had just the rear passenger door lock still connected to the barel just in case). I lived in a very bad neighbourhood and got my windows smashed so alot of good that did.

Really, just a get a good 2 way alarm, so that when something does happen, you'll at least know about it (if within range)

^^^^He's right. Most thieves still shy away from the blinky light. Back it up with a communication device that can keep you in the loop and you're good to go.
Those cars are very easy to break into, even the hood is easy!
I have the Compustar 2 way alarm. I feel very comfortable when I am sleeping at night with $12,000.00 worth of gear in it.

Don't waste your time with the locks, they don't mean sh*t. If they want in they will just pull the window out a few inches and unlock the door from the inside.
Go with the 2 way alarm, the bliking light and the siren are deterents, but the remote that shakes and beeps when the alarm is going off is peace of mind, and a good nights sleep.

Be on the look out though, I'm sure there just waiting for you to let your gaurd down a bit before they come back, maybe they just didn't have the time or the tools that night to get the job done. If they stay true to form (thieves) they will be back, best way to hit them where it hurts is to have that alarm in by the time they do.

Truck horn in the trunk on a relay. This will definitely scare the piss out of thieves .

Get a compustar 2way alarm with a battery backup...cost a bit more but your better off!

A $300 +installation car alarm would be nice, but my stereo was only ~$300. Although I did build my self a 400Wrms amp, and I would be torn apart if I lost it (I'm [soon to be] an electrical engineer, and It took about 5 months design and building)

What do you do when you get an alert that your car is being broken into? break legs, or hope the cops get there fast enough (can you call 911 for that?)

I'm not sure what to do with my stereo. I going to put it back in but I'm not sure how long I should wait. when I took it out I tried to make it look like it was stolen (ie, left the wires hanging without capping them) Maybe they'll fall for it. It doesn't look like they've been back yet though.

I was thinking about waiting a month before putting it back in. I imagine that thieves would lose interest after a while, or get paranoid about it being removed/car alarm. Suggestions?

Anyone else have experiences?

Hah, do you think if I made an LED blink (red?) they would stay away? I could try to pickup some stickers of car alarms.

make your yard brite lots of lights. if its not dark they wont go.

superbright blue LED is where it's at.. I don't think any companies have red LED's anymore.

Thats good to know. Where are they usually installed? (The only ones I've seen with a light, have them on the dash and are red)

My car is in an under ground parking lot BTW. Its quite bright in there too. Though, when I took my stereo out, no one ever came in there.