On-The-Road Theft Protection - How to Keep Your Classic Car or Muscle Car Safe While Traveling

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Last week, we looked at security when we're at home. It's our sanctuary and a place we keep our most cherished items (classic car, muscle car, antique, street rod, vintage truck, or our project car of course). Even though more than one third of all car thefts occur from a home or residence, we're very vulnerable when we travel, especially when far from home on a road trip. But, bad things can happen even when on the road not all that far from home as well!

Keeping Your Classic Car Safe On Road Trips

When you're traveling, you'll need to change priorities a bit. You'll be out of your element and will need to have take reasonable precautions. How far from home and for how long will play a big part in the types of things you'll need to consider, and the steps you may need to take to maximize your safety strategies.

Some steps are obvious while others are easy to overlook when it comes to preventing car theft when you're away from home!

Prepare With Accurate, Up-To-Date Records

In addition to the maps, hotel reservations and activity list, make sure you take the time to prepare a list of information you might just need if you get into any trouble on the road. Make, model and VIN numbers are a good start. Adding identifying numbers of your engine, paint and interior colors, rim and tire information, and any other identifiers which are unique or can help identify your car should be listed. When you're in crisis mode, it's easy to forget to list obvious ones that can aid officials in locating your ride. The more information they have the better.

In addition to making sure you have a way of reaching your insurance company 24/7, you might also want to write contact information of your repair or restoration shop, and bring along photos of your car (front, side, rear). These can aid in getting bulletins out quickly. Jot down the e-mail address for Hemmings Daily so you can notify them of a theft by simply filling out a brief form (see link below). They've been instrumental in getting the word out, as we do, to fellow enthusiasts who can keep an eye out!

Make Sure You Have Adequate Classic Car Insurance

Make sure you've got active insurance in place. If not, take a look at purchasing a classic car insurance policy, and make sure that it is active before any long trip. Talk with an agent who can help advise about potential loop-holes in coverage. If you're considering a long trip or cruise, make sure that it will cover the mileage and the possibility you may be out of state. The cost is low compared to auto insurance for your modern daily driver, and it can mean the difference of losing your cherished ride forever, or the possibility of being able to begin again with another without losing your shirt. And remember, the use of deterrents and active anti-theft devices can save you money on your premiums. Read the full article on insurance in the resources link below, and don't procrastinate in getting it.

Use An Alarm System

Today's assortment of alarms can seem overwhelming, and we'll be covering them in detail in a future installment in this series of theft prevention articles. There are passive alarms that signal a monitoring device, those that will page you, those that sound an audible alarm, those that will activate hidden cameras, and those that will trigger active GPS monitoring. We will take a look at each of these in detail, but for now remember that all the theft deterrents and alarms in the world won't help keep your ride safe unless you actively use them. Remember to activate them whenever you're not in your car, and especially when you are away from home and/or on a road trip.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Take Care Where You Park

The point here is to be aware of your surroundings, including where you park your car. Don't take it for granted that just because you're at a national show or event with fellow enthusiasts or on a popular cruise or road trip that something bad can't happen. Take preventive action by checking out your intended destination and taking the time to secure your old car or truck while on the road.

Guy Algar states, "Don't forget to take precautions even during short trips or visits to popular places. You may feel safe parking your ride because you've been there before or know people where you're going, but remember, that thieves can take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself, and will sometimes create their own opportunities as well! They can follow you from a cruise, a show, an event or even from a restaurant and plan a theft after watching you entering your hotel. If you have a ride that catches other people's attention, remember that it will also catch the wrong attention!" Keep these things in mind:

• Never park behind buildings. This tends to provide cover for thieves.
• If you can, park in plain sight of windows, doors, and areas with good foot traffic.
• Do not park next to thick bushes or shrubbery.
• Do not park next to alcoves, walls and areas where a person can hide. 
• Avoid extremely remote areas.
• Avoid unattended parking lots. Parking garages are safer choices.
• Select parking garages that are fenced in and secure. Preferably with good visibility into the lot.
• When parking on the street, select busy well-lit areas.
• Be especially cautious at night, which is a thief's preferred time.
• Check on your vehicle regularly.
• Never leave a spare set of keys in the car.
• Don't leave hotel keys in car.
• Don't leave travel plans, maps, hotel or travel pamphlets in plain sight.
• Do not leave personal items and baggage in plain sight whenever possible.
• Remove your GPS device or hide it.
• Never hide keys in/or about your car.
• Never leave your title in the vehicle.
• Never move valuables after you've arrived.
• Don't park in two spaces. This only brings attention to your car.
• Arm your car with your anti-theft measures and your multi-layered security system.

Use All Your Self Deterrents

Don't forget the basics in theft prevention. We'll take a closer look at each of these, and many more, in upcoming weeks:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Use hood locks.
• Use steering wheel and/or brake locks.
• Use a kill switch.
• Disconnect the car's battery.
• Use a fuel cut-off switch.
• Remove the Distributor Cap and/or Ignition Rotor.
• Remove Fuel Pump Fuse.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: 
Guy and I realize that the safety of your classic car or muscle car is extremely important to most owners. Everyone wants to protect their ride with methods that work, and that won't bust the bank. Guy Algar was an Installation Technician for LoJack at one point in his career, and served as a troubleshooter for difficult installations. A complete list of links for Theft Prevention and Theft Protection will appear in my upcoming article. Have a story you'd like to share? Leave a comment and we may publish your story! - Andrea L. Algar

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Classic Car News - Preventing Class Car Theft: The Big Picture

Classic Car News - Take Caution Where You Take Your Classic Car Or Muscle Car

Classic Car News - Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are
Classic Car News - How & Where To Park Your Classic or Muscle Car To Minimize The Threat of Theft
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate!
Hemmings - Hemmings Daily Blog Report a Theft Form
No Nonsense Self Defense - Car Theft Prevention

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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At Home Theft Prevention For Your Classic Car or Muscle Car

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

We all tend to feel more secure when we're at home. It's our sanctuary from life's stresses. Usually all of our most cherished items are at home, including our classic car, muscle car, antique, street rod, vintage truck, or our project car. Still, more than one third of all car thefts occur from a home or residence!

Tesla Coil Providing Unique Car Protection!
Photo Credits: TeslaDownUnder.com

While most people have learned that it's a great idea to lock up the house, many don't set the alarm when they leave. And, many take reasonable precautions such as making sure windows are closed and locked, and that we haven't done anything to draw attention to the fact that we're not home. But, you'd be amazed at some of the simple, and obvious things that people overlook when it comes to preventing car theft from their own home!

In previous articles, we've looked at being careful talking too loosely about our cherished rides, and where and how to park our cars to minimize car theft risk. This week we're looking at vulnerabilities we have at home.

Where You Choose To Park Your Classic Car

We touched on this one last week, but specifically related to your home, here are some tips to consider. Think carefully where you want to store your classic car.

• If you have an inside attached garage, it may make sense to keep it there, as alarm systems can more easily be incorporated into your total multi-layer security plan.
• If you have an unattached garage, the car itself may be adequately protected from the elements, but more vulnerable to theft because it may be a distance away fro your main house structure.
• If you have no choice but to keep your car or truck in your driveway, try to select an area which will provide the best protection, visibility and difficult access for a theft if possible. Pull as close to the house and if possible block yourself in with something large, heavy and difficult to move such as another vehicle. 
• If you are in an area where your only choice is on-street parking, you're especially vulnerable and need to consider spending extra money in your anti-theft devices and multi-layer security protection.

Secure Your Garage

Even if you park your vehicle in an enclosed garage you may in inadvertently send a signal that there's something valuable inside. Passerby's peer in each time you have your garage door open, and if you've got a hot car, you can bet everyone in the neighborhood (and it's visitors) know!

• Make sure you've got a good lock on your garage door, and keep it locked! This may sound silly, but you wouldn't believe how many people just rely on their garage door opener closing the door and they don't bolt it closed if they're going on a trip or not using the garage for a period of time. Remember, you want to make it as difficult as possible. A determined thief will always find a way, but your goal is to slow them down.
• Put blinds, shades or curtains on your garage windows so an "opportunity thief" (someone who wanders about looking for an opportunity) cannot peer in.
• If you have a home alarm, make sure the garage doors and windows have motion activated sensors that hook into your system. If you don't have a whole-house alarm system, consider installing a system for your garage (we'll be looking closely at alarms in a future article).

Don't Forget to Use Self Deterrents

Just because you've gt your car parked at home doesn't mean you should forget the basics in theft prevention. We'll take a closer look at each of these, and many more, in upcoming weeks:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Never leave car keys in the ignition or anywhere in the car.
• Don't leave a set of keys in the garage (on a hook or hidden).
• Use hood locks.
• Use steering wheel and/or brake locks.
• Use a kill switch.
• Disconnect and/or remove the car's battery (depending on how often you use it)
• Use a fuel cut-off switch
• Remove the Distributor Cap and/or Ignition Rotor
• Remove Fuel Pump Fuse
• Take a wheel off if you don't use the vehicle regularly!

Make Sure You Have Adequate Classic Car Insurance

Take a look at both your homeowner's insurance and a classic car insurance policy. Talk with an agent who can help advise about potential loop-holes in coverage. If you don't already have a classic car insurance policy, consider getting one. The cost is low compared to auto insurance for your modern daily driver, and it can mean the difference of losing your cherished ride forever, or the possibility of being able to begin again with another without losing your shirt.

And remember, the use of deterrents and active anti-theft devices can save you money on your premiums. Read the full article on insurance in the resources link below, and don't procrastinate!

Consider An Alarm System

Now I'm not recommending this one in particular, although you've got to admit, it'd be pretty cool to see the expression on a thief's face if you could rig it up so it was motion-activated!  Here's the video to the photos as shown above.



All kidding aside, all the theft deterrents and alarms in the world won't help keep your ride safe unless you actively use them. Remember to activate them whenever you're not in your car. One day you may be grateful you did.

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Classic Car News - Preventing Class Car Theft: The Big Picture

Classic Car News - Take Caution Where You Take Your Classic Car Or Muscle Car

Classic Car News - Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are
Classic Car News - How & Where To Park Your Classic Car or Muscle Car In Order To Minimize The Threat of Theft
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate!
No Nonsense Self Defense - Car Theft Prevention
TeslaDownUnder.com - Tesla Car Thief Protection

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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How & Where To Park Your Classic Car or Muscle Car In Order To Minimize The Threat of Theft

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

We've heard that thefts are on the rise for muscle cars, classic cars and even old trucks. How and where you park your classic car can help minimize the risk of having it stolen, having parts taken off of it, or even of having it targeted for future theft. Whether you're at home, away from home, or storing your vehicle for an extended period, there are steps you'll want to take to help keep it safe. Theft prevention is key.

Indoor Parking Garage

Precaution rules the day here. Many interventions you take are common sense, but in the haste of our busy schedules  it's easy to make exceptions and put our vehicles at unnecessary risk. If you're away from home and enjoying time out in your classic, the last thing you want to find is a vacant parking space when you return to your vehicle. Danger also lurks at home where you tend to feel safe, and no owner wants to find an empty garage spot where their cherished ride once sat.

Becoming a victim of theft does not always mean disappearance of the vehicle. Guy recalls what happened to a customer, "He and his wife had gone out to dinner at a nice restaurant. They had taken their 1969 Corvette, parked under a big bright light in the parking lot, in what appeared to be a safe area. When they came out about 45 minutes later he found that all the trim and emblems had been taken right off the car! Obviously, although upset, he was relieved that the car was still there." This is something we're all in fear of.

While many thefts occur when vehicles are parked on the street or even on the owner's own property, logic would say that this is because you tend to park in these spots most often. Police data, however, reveals that based on per-hour-parked statistics, your classic car or muscle car may be at even greater risk when parked at a parking facility. They are often unmanned or poorly patrolled, poorly lit with lots of blind spots and have plenty of places where a thief can effectively hide. Low foot traffic aides in giving a thief the time needed to execute the theft of vehicles, even those with alarms and other deterrents.

But it does make a difference what type of parking facility you choose! Why? It turns out that parking garages are much safer than outdoor parking lots. In fact, reports show that there is five times greater risk of your car being stolen from an unattended lot than from either on-street parking or when parking in a parking garage or in an attended lot. Unmanned outdoor lots that utilize a self-pay system have little or no security or deterrents of any kind. They're often easily accessed and have very light foot traffic. At night you're particularly vulnerable.
What can you do to improve your odds? First, never take it for granted that because you're in a well lit area you'll be okay, or that if you're with fellow enthusiasts it's less likely something bad will happen. Bottom line, be prepared, take precautions and be proactive in securing your vehicle at all times!

Choosing Where To Park Your Classic Car:

• Never park behind buildings. This tends to provide cover for thieves.
• If you can, park in plain sight of windows, doors, and areas with good foot traffic.
• Do not park next to thick bushes or shrubbery.
• Do not park next to alcoves, walls and areas where a person can hide. 
• Avoid extremely remote areas.
• Avoid parking lots, especially unattended ones. Parking garages tend to be safer choices.
• Select parking garages that are fenced in and secure. Preferably with good visibility into the lot.
• When parking on the street, select busy well-lit areas.
• Be especially cautious at night, which is a thief's preferred time.
• If you're looking at long-term storage, select location carefully and have a way of checking on your vehicle regularly.

Parking Your Classic Car While Away From Home:

• Make sure all doors are locked.
• Close and lock all windows.
• Do not leave keys in your car.
• Do not leave your home's garage door opener, house keys, or other items in the car.
• Remove your GPS device if possible (you don't want it showing a thief the way to your home).
• Never hide keys in/or about your car.
• Never leave your title in the vehicle.
• Never move valuables after you've arrived.
• Don't park in two spaces. This only brings attention to your car.
• Arm your car with your anti-theft measures and your multi-layered security system.

Securing Your Classic Car In Your Own Garage:

• Lock your car! Doors and windows. This simple, very basic step is often overlooked because you're in the safety of your own home. It is often just seconds or minutes that separate a successful car theft from a foiled attempt, so everything you can throw at the thief is a good step in the direction of theft prevention.
• Keep your garage window shades or blinds closed.
• Cover your car. Not only will this help to keep your classic clean, but it will help keep it hidden when you do have your garage door open. Purchase and use a cover designed for outdoor weather if you're parking your car outdoors in your driveway.
• Never leave your keys in the ignition. Again, a lot of people keep car keys in the open because they feel it is safe in their own garage. Store your keys in a separate area.
• Consider cameras which can monitor and record any activity.
• Arm your car with your anti-theft measures and your multi-layered security system - even, and especially, while at home!

Next we'll take a look at At-Home Theft Prevention. We hope you'll our series on theft prevention for classic car and muscle car owners.

RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Manitowoc website - How to Prevent Theft From Your Vehicle
Pittsburgh Police - Types of Car Theft
U.S. Dept of Justice - Theft of and from cars in parking facilities

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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Identifying The Potential Classic Car Thief - Know Who Your Friends Are

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Classic car and muscle car thefts certainly appear to be on the rise, as quick as I can report on one, another goes missing. It's a real tragedy that, to an enthusiast, is much worse than having your modern daily driver stolen. A piece of history, a symbol of our youth, a life-long dream, a measure of acomplishment, whatever our reason for owning an old car or truck, we're deeply affected when we experience a loss.


Actual Sign!

"Boludo" =
Argentinian
slang for a--hole,
moron, jack---



For those of us who labored over the expense and time invested in a restoration, it is agonizing. The thought of our cherished ride ending up in some chop shop where they have no care or appreciation of the vehicle's sentimental value...only of the cash they can get for the parts.

We all know that it's a risk when we take our prized cars out into public places. There's no doubt of that. But, what many owners fail to see, or take action on, are the very real risks we take right in our own driveways and garages!

Effectively protecting your classic is a complicated array of choices, costs, and trying to keep at least one step ahead of the thieves. Last week we looked at the basic list of preventive steps. Today, we'll focus on an often overlooked prevention - knowing your enemy!

Know Who Your Friends Are

Professional car thieves can identify their victims quickly. For us, it's much harder to know who our enemy is. Thieves don't wear a neon sign that points them out. It can be a complete stranger you've never even seen, someone who has been watching you or watching your car, someone you've bumped into at a swap meet, talked to briefly at a party, someone you work with, a friend of a friend, or even an actual acquaintance, a relative or even someone you consider a "friend"!  Here are some potential "types" to look out for.

The Thief in Sheep's Clothing

Think back to car shows you've attended. Many people milling all around, with open access to dozens if not hundreds of classic cars, muscle cars, antique cars, vintage trucks, street rods, hot rods, old race cars, and often project cars offered up for sale. Here, an ounce of prevention is common-sense, but can be overlooked when we're supposed to be having fun with a lot of other like-minded enthusiasts.

This type of thief may actually engage you in conversation about your car, pulling useful information from you without you even giving it a thought. Most of us are eager to share our stories, and sometimes the stories contain information that can actually aid the thief in the theft of your car.

Actions to take:

• Don't reveal information about you
• Don't give strangers too many details on your car
• Never mention where you park your car
• Keep your stories general
• Never talk about or show your security strategies

The By-Chance Thief

Here, an opportunistic thief just takes advantage of a good situation. Depending on his/her experience and/or the degree of desperation they may have in making a "score", the opportunity may be viewed as "safe" or extremely "risky". We've all seen an episode or two of "bait car", where authorities intentionally leave a bait car running or leave it unlocked with the keys in the ignition, usually always in an area known for car thefts. While entertaining, we don't see ourselves vulnerable to this type of attack because we certainly wouldn't be stupid enough to do that! But, you don't need to leave the keys in the car for the opportunistic thief to strike.

Imagine you've pulled into the local hot spot on a Friday night where all the classic car buffs get together for a burger and car talk. You're standing around right near your car so you feel you've got an eye on things. But, you're accustomed to people walking about peeking into the car to see the great interior and all your fancy dashboard gadgets, so you don't pay any particular attention to the man who circles around back, quickly reaches into the open trunk, and makes off with your expensive concealed-in-the-trunk stereo. Things can happen in a flash. While it might be appealing to pop the hood and the trunk, roll down the windows and maybe even leave the door ajar for a better view, it's not always the safest thing to do. An opportunistic thief who is bold may even go so far as to jump into an unattended car and simply drive it off. With all the action at events where large numbers of people congregate, it's perfect cover.

Actions to take:

• Never leave keys in the vehicle - with or without the engine running
• Keep your windows up and doors locked whenever possible
• Don't leave easy-to-grab items in plain sight
• Keep your eyes on your car
• Stay next to your car unless it is fully secured
• Use motion detection alarms and/or cameras
• Make sure your multi-layer security system is always activated

The Bold 'n Brazen

Most professional thieves are not careless and they're not apt to do things that would draw attention to themselves. They've got too much experience to make senseless mistakes. But, when the thief is desperate for cash, a drug addict, gambler or in some type of trouble, they're apt to act very irrationally and do things that would be seen as extremely bold. I would consider carjackers in this category of thief. These thieves can be very dangerous because they can be unpredictable and act irrationally with no regard to your personal safety.

Actions to take:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid situations where you can become trapped
• Think ahead how you would handle an unexpected event
• Keep your cell phone handy with one touch dial to 911
• Brush up on self defense

The Stalker

We've all been guilty of doing this one. You go to the local movie theatre, beach, football field, outdoor concert, raceway or gun show. You don't want to leave any valuables in plain sight in your passenger compartment, so you move all your stuff to the trunk - locked safely out of view from prying eyes. You feel safe and continue about your event.

The stalker is someone who purposely waits in areas where people congregate for such events. They know that the event will run from 3-6pm. People generally start arriving a half hour to hour beforehand, and continue for another half hour or so for the stragglers who always arrive late. But, they've been watching. They look for people who have moved contents to their trunk, sending a loud signal that this is something valuable. They look for those who stuff things under the seat and other areas in the car. Once most everyone has arrived, and after having made note of the parking lot/security personnel routines, they're set to take action. They know exactly what cars to hit.

Actions to take:

• Don't move valuables after you've arrived
• Stow things before arriving if you didn't plan ahead
• Best - don't take any valuables with you

The Friend or Acquaintance

This is the one we never want to find. It may not devious at all. It may be that a friend has unintentionally brought awareness of your car to the wrong person, perhaps mentioning this "unbelievable car" that a friend has. It could be a co-worker that has heard us talking about the car show we took our car to, or the bank teller who has seen you at the drive-thru on a few occasions and mentioned it to her boyfriend. Bottom line is that the wrong person takes a fancy to our ride. The more rare or valuable the car, or the components on your car, the more you're likely to draw the wrong attention.

Face it, more people know about your car than you'd probably ever feel comfortable about. And, most often the information about the car, and you, is given freely because we all like to talk about our rides. We have a lot invested in the car, and we love it when someone takes interest. So, before you go bragging (not that we ever would do that) to a group of guys about all the bells and whistles you've put into her - you know, the 15 grand you sunk into the new engine, the custom concealed stereo system, the (drop whatever name you'd care to) performance upgrade, the fancy new security system, just know that in the heads of the wrong person, this information can mean a big loss to you.

Action to take:

• Be careful not to reveal information that is too personal (where you live, etc)
• Don't reveal your schedule or routines you always follow
• Never discuss your security system (even if worth bragging about)
• Always have your multi-layer security activated

We don't want you to get paranoid over your car. Everyone should be able to take their car out and enjoy themselves. After all, this is part of why we get into our cars in the first place. We enjoy the car talk, the stories, the community and the camaraderie. The best advice is to be aware of your surroundings, who you meet and what you talk to them about if you don't know them well. Take common sense preventive steps that will at least improve your chances of keeping your ride safe.

Keep Our Rides Safe, our weekly series, continues next Wednesday with the article How & Where You Store/Park/Garage Your Car.

REFERENCES:
About.com - Collector Car Theft Deterrents
Edmunds - Confessions of a Car Thief
Photo Credit:  Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
The Car Connection - Four Things Car Thieves Love To See
Wall Street Journal - Unlocking the Secrets of a Car Thief

RESOURCES:
Classic Car News - Preventing Class Car Theft: The Big Picture
Classic Car News - Take Caution Where You Take Your Classic Car Or Muscle Car
No Nonsense Self Defense - Car Theft Prevention
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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Increase In Classic Car and Muscle Car Thefts Have Owners Concerned

New Series Launches On Theft Prevention & Protection

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

With classic car and muscle car thefts on the rise, owners are rightly becoming very concerned. It seems that every few days we're getting news of a theft.


New Series:
Keeping Our Rides Safe



If you're a regular reader of this blog, you've read several stories recently on stolen cars that are either classic cars, muscle cars, vintage trucks, antique cars, and even pro street race cars! We had reported on a ProStreet Camaro stolen at a hotel near the car show the owner was attending for the weekend, and a fully restored 1954 GMC Pickup truck stolen right out of the owner's driveway. We also reported on a local car jacking. And, just as I was putting the final touches on the first article for this series, new a stolen car alert came out of Fort Worth where a 1937 Buick went missing from a gated townhouse community, and news of Dr. Phil's '55 Chevy Belair convertible being stolen from the Burbank auto shop he had taken it to for repairs! Owners have good reason to be concerned.

Guy Algar and I, through Classic Car News, are launching a new series called "Keeping Our Rides Safe". Each week we'll look at a different aspect of keeping our classic cars out of the hands of would-be thieves. We'll begin with the basics of theft prevention, theft protection, insurance, self-deterrent steps, safety outside the home, alarms, locks, anti-theft devices, tracking and recovery systems and more. We will take a close look at each in detail, as well as reporting on new products and systems that can help, interviews with law enforcement, reader stories and more.

All this is designed with the classic car or muscle car owner in mind, as our needs are a quite different than the average modern car driver.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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Take Caution In Where You Take Your Classic Car or Muscle Car

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

I recently came across a story written by a man who owned a Daytona Blue 1963 Corvette Coupe with all matching numbers. The all-original classic sport car had an immaculate dark blue interior where only the carpet had ever been replaced. The 327 engine was said to produce a rhythmic loping that not only brought a smile to your face, but got you day dreaming of having this beauty parked in your own garage. Then disaster strikes and you're snapped out of your dream and into his nightmare!

The owner of this beautiful piece of American history took his prized car to what he called a small "backwoods" show that a friend and he decided to go to in the spur of the moment. As owner Jacob Morgan, of Bakersfield, CA described, "The event was an annual but rather unofficial gathering of classic car buffs and I was thrilled to bring my car down. Unfortunately, the part of Florida that the event was being held was extremely dry due to drought. About three or four hours after arriving, a man who owned a red GTO (I could not tell you the year because frankly I did not care afterward) decided to start up his ride for the spectators. It was just one backfire but it was enough to start the dry grass ablaze--and guess where my Corvette was parked?

Nearly thirty classic cars were consumed by the blaze started by that backfiring GTO and my Corvette was one of them. Of course I had the car properly insured but they just aren't making 1963 Corvettes any longer and the only one I could find that was similar cost $10,000 more than my policy’s payoff. I guess if there is a moral to my sad tale, it is to avoid backwoods car shows at all costs because they are unregulated, disorganized, and very dangerous to classic cars like my beloved 1963 Corvette Coupe."

This may not be your traditional way of losing your prized classic car, muscle car, street rod, antique car, vintage truck or other collectible old vehicle, but it does drive home the point that we need to exercise care in even the most innocent surroundings like a car show! Freak accidents like Mr. Morgan experienced can and do account for many losses to enthusiasts - not just theft or vandalism.

Sadly though, theft isn't a rare thing and the methods are becoming more bizarre. Guy Algar and I have had pieces stolen off one of our own vehicles that we were towing back to our shop while we stopped for a quick bite to eat! We've had a good number of hubcaps taken over the years. And, we actually had the brake lights ripped off of our car hauler while we were in a parts store one day picking up parts for a customer! We've had one customer tell us the story where he had taken his wife out to dinner and had carefully parked his 1969 Corvette at a local restaurant, under a big bright light, and in what appeared to be a "safe" area, only to come out 45 minutes to an hour later to find all his emblems and trim taken right off the car! Thieves have been known to take the entire car hauler (with the classic sitting on top) right off the tow vehicle's hitch ball and transfer the hauler to their own tow vehicle when people are on the road, at a car show, or some other type of event. These are bold moves by people who do not fear the consequences.

Other thefts that have been reported around the country have included:

• Tom of New Mexico reported the theft of two of his collector cars to Hemmings. Tom owns about half a dozen collector cars altogether, and to store them all, he rented out a storage unit. Unfortunately, when he went to check on them recently, for the first time in about six months, he found that two were missing - a 1957 two-door Chevrolet Belair and a 1967 Mercury Cougar GT. 
• There was also a report of a man from Jefferson City, Missouri, who actually recovered his own stolen car, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro that had been stolen 16 years before, after seeing it in a Google search! 
• In a Los Angeles suburb, a woman came home to a garage empty of her prized 1957 Chevy Bel-Air which had been valued at more than $150,000. The beautiful convertible had been featured in several magazines and TV shows and won dozens of awards at car shows around the country. A neighbor's surveillance camera caught the actions of the thieves and revealed that the Bel-Air was pushed down the street by a pickup truck which had pulled into her driveway just minutes after she had left. The thieves likely loaded it onto an awaiting trailer. It's thought that the thieves spotting the car at one of the car shows, followed it home afterwards, then waited for the opportunity to steal it.
• A Seattle collector was the victim of a targeted "smash-and grab" from the warehouse where he kept his cars. The thieves apparently ransacked the building and drove off with a 396/425 four-speed 1965 Corvette Stingray; and a 20,000-mile 396/four-speed 1970 Chevelle SS.
• A 1959 Chevrolet Impala was stolen during a Cruise Night. The owner got good news-bad news when the police tracked down because while they did recover the classic car, he had put in a claim for the theft with his insurance policy after the theft many months before, so the car went to the insurance company rather than being returned to him. Apparently detectives recovered the Impala from a chop shop nearly eight months after it was stolen, repainted and modified.
• Hemmings News also reported of a reader whose 1970 Ford Maverick was stolen from his home in Missouri. The car was found and returned, but the investigation apparently revealed that the thief had been watching the owner for 2 years, with the intention of stealing it and using it to race with. Chilling thing to find out. 
• A 1979 Buick Electra 225 Limited Edition was stolen out of a grocery store parking lot in suburban Detroit with the thief escaping with an urn inside the trunk that contained the remains of the owner's stepfather!
• After saving for over 40 years, a man from Virginia bought the car of his dreams, a 1962 Dodge Lancer. Buying his dream car, he began his restoration project, which was about 60 percent complete when he relocated to Texas. Without a garage to keep it in after his move, he stored it in a 24-foot enclosed trailer along with a 1971 Dodge Colt he planned to turn into a race car, and kept the trailer parked at a storage lot. At the end of July, the trailer and everything in it disappeared. 

The last story actually has a happy ending because it was recovered due to alert shop owners being suspicious of person wanting to unload a Lancer for only $1,500 including the many boxes of parts. After some research, the owner was reunited with his car. Guy and I have been approached on numerous occasions by people wanting to sell their vehicles. Some have hardship stories and the callers are willing to unload the car for a real bargain. We've always walked from these offers, primarily because we're not in the business of buying and selling cars (we're not dealers or re-sellers), but also because we're cautious of a "too-good-to-be-true" price. One call in particular did make us very suspicious, as the woman caller insisted that the sale had to be completed by Monday (she called our shop over the weekend) and the price was extremely low for a rather rare model Mustang. Alert shop owners can be instrumental in aiding in the recovery of stolen classic cars.

But not all stories have a happy ending like this. Classic cars, muscle cars and antiques can make their way to chop shops, end up damaged and abandoned, and even being re-sold on Internet sites such as eBay and Craigslist!

Just yesterday, I reported on a 1954 Chevy Pickup truck which was stolen from a woman's driveway in Oklahoma City. (Ironically this article was already written and scheduled for release today when the news hit. I've added her case because, unfortunately, it emphasizes how common thefts have become.) She wisely reached out to the Hemmings community of enthusiasts for help. Hemmings.com has a huge following, referred to as "Hemmings Nation", and appealing for help to a community of enthusiasts like this can be instrumental in helping to give vital information to police and authorities who can help track and recover a stolen classic car. We applaud the work that Hemmings does.

And, the methods that thieves are using, as you can see, are as varied as the types of vehicles! Even seemingly innocent little car shows and gatherings are places you need to exercise a little caution and care. As I reported in a July article, carjackings involving classic cars are even becoming more commonplace.

Surprisingly, in some cases, the Internet has been helpful in aiding in the recovery of classic cars and muscle cars. There have been numerous stories, much like the Camaro owner above, and a man who found his 1949 Ford through a listing on Craigslist (the two men responsible were arrested and charged with disassembling a vehicle after the owner positively identified it as his) where owners have been able to locate their cars in Internet searches.

In addition to the quick-strip thefts, thieves usually always alter, remove or forge VIN numbers, which make identification of the car or truck more difficult. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN's) are serial numbers for vehicles that are used to differentiate similar makes and models. Much like social security numbers, every vehicle has a different VIN. VIN plates are usually located on the dashboard on newer cars, but are often found in the door jams of older models. VIN plates can be switched with another vehicle for a fast cover up.

The point here is to be aware of your surroundings, including where you park your car. Don't take it for granted that just because you're at an event with fellow enthusiasts that something bad can't happen. Take preventive action by securing your old car or truck. Guy Algar suggests, "Don't forget to take precautions even at home. You may feel safe parking your ride in 'the safety' of your two car garage, but remember, even if you don't have windows where people can peer in and spot your valued car, thieves can also follow you home from work, a cruise, or even the grocery store and plan a theft after surveilling your home and learning your schedule. If you have a ride that catches people's attention, remember that it can also catch the wrong attention!" In upcoming articles we'll be taking a look at theft prevention, theft protection and security systems for your ride.

 

REFERENCES:

AOLAutos.com - http://autos.aol.com/article/category/car-theft/
CarBuzz.com - http://www.carbuzz.com/infographic-car-theft-statistics.aspx
ClassicCars.com - http://classiccars.com/Stories/BewareBackwoodsCarShows.aspx
Classic Car News - Classic car theft at Goodguys Show
Classic Car News - Local Carjacking Should Heighten Awareness For Classic Car Owners
eBay Guides - http://reviews.ebay.com/Deterring-Collector-Car-Theft?ugid=10000000003606379
http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=680653#.TrK3eXJfSTm
http://www.wsati.org/stolenclassics.html
http://livecarshows.com/StolenCars.html
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/10/20/man-finds-parts-of-his-stolen-classic-car-on-craigslist/
http://www.autotheftblog.com/category/auto-theft-recovery-stories/classic-cars/
http://www.aatia.com/2011/06/05/now-listing-stolen-classics/
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Officials-seek-classic-car-theft-suspect-2612968.php
STOLEN Truck Alert: 1954 Chevy 3100 Pickup Truck From Oklahoma City

RESOURCES:
Hagerty.com http://www.hagerty.com/classic-car-articles-resources/Resources/~/media/Files/US/Lifestyle/Pamphlets%20and%20Guides/pdf/TheftPrevention.ashx
Hemmings - Hemmings Daily - Hemmings' Official Blog 
Classic Car News - Purchasing Classic Car Insurance - Why You Don't Want To Procrastinate

AUTHOR'S NOTE: 
Guy and I realize that the safety of your classic car or muscle car is extremely important to most owners. Everyone wants to protect their ride with methods that work, and that won't bust the bank. Guy Algar was an Installation Technician for LoJack at one point in his career, and served as a troubleshooter for difficult installations. A complete list of links for Theft Prevention and Theft Protection will appear in my upcoming article. Have a story you'd like to share? Leave a comment and we may publish your story! - Andrea L. Algar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

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