Author Topic: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?  (Read 19162 times)

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Offline Rondo2287

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I drive a 2010 Toyota Corolla.  Saturday night, an early 2000's Honda Civic had all 4 of his Tires stolen and his car was up on Cinderblocks, the car was parked right outside the front door of one of the buildings in my complex  I don't really live in a dangerous area, I think it was probably just a random thing. 

My question is do wheel locks work?  I know if somebody really wants to take them they can get around the wheel locks, but maybe it will prove to be enough of a deterrent that they will move onto the next car. 

I was thinking something like this.

http://toyotapartspeople.toyotaofpuyallup.com/searchproduct.asp?model=Corolla&catid=3462874753368502&year=10&productdesc=Alloy+Wheel+Locks


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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2012, 01:11:02 PM »

Offline indeedproceed

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I'd imagine a comprehensive security system and other than collision insurance with a low deductible are your best defenses.

I'm assuming your Corrola came with a good sec system. If its engaged I can't imagine anyone is going to take the time to take off those tires.

On top of that, I'm sure you can buy a device (if you don't have one already) that will send your phone a message if your vehicle's alarm is going off.

EDIT: and if the wheel locks are only 40 bucks its probably worth it for the piece of mind they'll afford you.

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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2012, 01:18:45 PM »

Offline Rondo2287

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I'd imagine a comprehensive security system and other than collision insurance with a low deductible are your best defenses.

I'm assuming your Corrola came with a good sec system. If its engaged I can't imagine anyone is going to take the time to take off those tires.

On top of that, I'm sure you can buy a device (if you don't have one already) that will send your phone a message if your vehicle's alarm is going off.

EDIT: and if the wheel locks are only 40 bucks its probably worth it for the piece of mind they'll afford you.

It came with a basic alarm that I believe will go off if somebody opens a locked door or breaks a window, not sure about the tires though.  Im going to get the car serviced this weekend at the Toyota dealship so I will probably ask them what would set off the alarm.

But I normally park my car right underneath my apartment window so if my alarm were going off I would definitely hear it.   ;)
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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2012, 01:21:14 PM »

Offline Chris

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Interestingly, I read when I was researching cars last year that Honda Civics are the top cars targetted for wheel theft.  Its probably some combination of the quality of wheels, and the number of Civics out there (so a larger market for resale of the wheels), but it is interesting that was the car you saw.

The other question is what kind of rims you have?  Wheels are not stolen for the tires, they are stolen for the rims.  If you have expensive rims, then I am with Indeed, get a good insurance policy.  Otherwise, get enough security that you feel safe, knowing that worse-case scenario, you can probably replace all of them for about $500 (stock Corolla parts are not super expensive, unless you got major upgrades).

Also, I would be more concerned with whats in the car.  I think stolen wheels are much more rare than people breaking in windows and stealing radios/things left on the seat.  I have only seen cars up on cinder blocks a couple times, but I see cars with broken windows about a couple times a month, where I park for work (including my car twice).  And, I can tell you, having that covered by insurance is well worth the premium.

Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2012, 01:23:35 PM »

Offline indeedproceed

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I'd imagine a comprehensive security system and other than collision insurance with a low deductible are your best defenses.

I'm assuming your Corrola came with a good sec system. If its engaged I can't imagine anyone is going to take the time to take off those tires.

On top of that, I'm sure you can buy a device (if you don't have one already) that will send your phone a message if your vehicle's alarm is going off.

EDIT: and if the wheel locks are only 40 bucks its probably worth it for the piece of mind they'll afford you.

It came with a basic alarm that I believe will go off if somebody opens a locked door or breaks a window, not sure about the tires though.  Im going to get the car serviced this weekend at the Toyota dealship so I will probably ask them what would set off the alarm.

But I normally park my car right underneath my apartment window so if my alarm were going off I would definitely hear it.   ;)

Move to the country, eat a lot of peaches.

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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2012, 01:29:22 PM »

Offline Rondo2287

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Interestingly, I read when I was researching cars last year that Honda Civics are the top cars targetted for wheel theft.  Its probably some combination of the quality of wheels, and the number of Civics out there (so a larger market for resale of the wheels), but it is interesting that was the car you saw.

The other question is what kind of rims you have?  Wheels are not stolen for the tires, they are stolen for the rims.  If you have expensive rims, then I am with Indeed, get a good insurance policy.  Otherwise, get enough security that you feel safe, knowing that worse-case scenario, you can probably replace all of them for about $500 (stock Corolla parts are not super expensive, unless you got major upgrades).

Also, I would be more concerned with whats in the car.  I think stolen wheels are much more rare than people breaking in windows and stealing radios/things left on the seat.  I have only seen cars up on cinder blocks a couple times, but I see cars with broken windows about a couple times a month, where I park for work (including my car twice).  And, I can tell you, having that covered by insurance is well worth the premium.

First off thanks to you Chris and IP for taking the time to respond.  Second, I have the S Model so it comes with the 16 Inch Rims shown below. 



Nothing to write home about but they are the alloy wheels.  Also, I do have a pretty good insurance policy with Collision so I should be ok there.

I am usually super careful about what I have in my car so really there isnt anything visable other than the 30 dollar XM radio receiver.  Oh well, I guess I have to just be cautious and live my life. 
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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2012, 01:41:55 PM »

Offline Interceptor

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I have wheel locks on my car ('08 WRX), because I've lived in some tough neighborhoods. It's a step above "keep honest people honest", but they are like anything else: won't stop someone who is determined to bypass them. They are a good deterrent, though.

If you do get locks, make sure to not keep the key somewhere that defeats the purpose, aka in the glove box. But do keep it on your person, in case you get a flat, etc.

Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2012, 01:48:07 PM »

Offline jayhovaone

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I drive a 2010 Toyota Corolla.  Saturday night, an early 2000's Honda Civic had all 4 of his Tires stolen and his car was up on Cinderblocks, the car was parked right outside the front door of one of the buildings in my complex  I don't really live in a dangerous area, I think it was probably just a random thing. 

My question is do wheel locks work?  I know if somebody really wants to take them they can get around the wheel locks, but maybe it will prove to be enough of a deterrent that they will move onto the next car. 

I was thinking something like this.

http://toyotapartspeople.toyotaofpuyallup.com/searchproduct.asp?model=Corolla&catid=3462874753368502&year=10&productdesc=Alloy+Wheel+Locks




Wheel locks do work because it takes longer to get around custom wheel locks.  But they have to be custom wheel locks not just any wheel lock.  Also the reason that the alarm doesn't go off doesn't have anything to do with it being basic its because the thieves stick something under the car so there is enough room to get the tire off the axel.  It also is at a slight angle so that it tricks the alarm system into thinking the car is being towed.

Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2012, 01:50:23 PM »

Online Roy H.

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I drive a 2010 Toyota Corolla.  Saturday night, an early 2000's Honda Civic had all 4 of his Tires stolen and his car was up on Cinderblocks, the car was parked right outside the front door of one of the buildings in my complex  I don't really live in a dangerous area, I think it was probably just a random thing. 

My question is do wheel locks work?  I know if somebody really wants to take them they can get around the wheel locks, but maybe it will prove to be enough of a deterrent that they will move onto the next car. 

I was thinking something like this.

http://toyotapartspeople.toyotaofpuyallup.com/searchproduct.asp?model=Corolla&catid=3462874753368502&year=10&productdesc=Alloy+Wheel+Locks




When I lived in NJ, I drove a Honda Civic and had all four of my tires stolen.

From what the police officers told me, wheel locks have a slight deterrent effect.  However, most professional thieves have tools to punch right through them, so that if somebody wants your tires, they're going to get them.

I will say, nobody touched my tires after I installed the wheel locks, but I also moved to a new apartment complex two months later.

EDIT:  Pretty much what you just said.


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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #9 on: January 30, 2012, 02:15:33 PM »

Offline Rondo2287

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I drive a 2010 Toyota Corolla.  Saturday night, an early 2000's Honda Civic had all 4 of his Tires stolen and his car was up on Cinderblocks, the car was parked right outside the front door of one of the buildings in my complex  I don't really live in a dangerous area, I think it was probably just a random thing. 

My question is do wheel locks work?  I know if somebody really wants to take them they can get around the wheel locks, but maybe it will prove to be enough of a deterrent that they will move onto the next car. 

I was thinking something like this.

http://toyotapartspeople.toyotaofpuyallup.com/searchproduct.asp?model=Corolla&catid=3462874753368502&year=10&productdesc=Alloy+Wheel+Locks




Wheel locks do work because it takes longer to get around custom wheel locks.  But they have to be custom wheel locks not just any wheel lock.  Also the reason that the alarm doesn't go off doesn't have anything to do with it being basic its because the thieves stick something under the car so there is enough room to get the tire off the axel.  It also is at a slight angle so that it tricks the alarm system into thinking the car is being towed.

This is actually exactly how the car looks in the parking lot now.  At an angle with something under the car.
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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #10 on: January 30, 2012, 02:36:29 PM »

Offline Finkelskyhook

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I sell car alarms...Both simple and comprehensive.  Just get something simple for what you're referring to...A simple 2-wire hookup with adjustable shock sensing and set it as low as you can.  Cheap 2-wire sets take 5 minutes to install and are great for just that as long as you have the shock sensor set as far back as possible.  Just make sure you get one that makes a hellacious lot of noise.

Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2012, 02:56:50 PM »

Offline StartOrien

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Any chance someone was playing a (bad) joke on your neighbor?

Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #12 on: January 30, 2012, 03:00:23 PM »

Offline MF Doom

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a pistol will

Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #13 on: January 30, 2012, 03:03:00 PM »

Offline Rondo2287

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Any chance someone was playing a (bad) joke on your neighbor?

I don't think so cause it was my friends boyfriend's car who doesnt live the complex.  

I think I might take a picture and post it on apartmentratings.com
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Re: Car at my Apartment had all 4 tires stolen, do wheel locks work?
« Reply #14 on: January 30, 2012, 03:04:34 PM »

Offline Chris

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I sell car alarms...Both simple and comprehensive.  Just get something simple for what you're referring to...A simple 2-wire hookup with adjustable shock sensing and set it as low as you can.  Cheap 2-wire sets take 5 minutes to install and are great for just that as long as you have the shock sensor set as far back as possible.  Just make sure you get one that makes a hellacious lot of noise.

I recommend not parking right outside your own window if you do this however.