Keyless theft, steering locks, trackers, alarms and dash cams: what to look for, the free Garda advice first, and a few example models.
We pick these from published specifications and what is sold to Ireland. We have not tested them ourselves.
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Free first: the Garda advice
Keep keyless car keys in a Faraday bag or box, or even a biscuit tin.
Use a steering lock, park under streetlights or where there is CCTV, and take valuables out of the car.
Gardaí recorded 4,978 vehicle thefts in 2023, 21% more than in 2022. Almost 60% happened between 6pm and 4am.
With keyless entry, thieves can copy the key’s signal to open and start the car. Gardaí advise keeping the keys in a Faraday bag or box, or even a biscuit tin.Gardaí, Park Smart (Crimecall, 26 February 2024)
Look for an independent rating. Sold Secure rates locks Bronze (against the opportunist thief), Silver (the more determined thief), Gold (the dedicated thief) and, in some categories, Diamond.Sold Secure, ratingsSold Secure, approved products
Check it fits your steering wheel: some locks come in sizes.
Thatcham Research certifies vehicle tracking systems (Category S5) and asset location systems (Category S7), and lets you search certified products.Thatcham Research, security certification
Check it works on Irish mobile networks, what the subscription costs, and ask your insurer whether it wants a particular standard.
Car alarms and immobilisers
Extra protection fitted on top of what the car came with.
What to look for
Every new car sold in the EU since 1998 has an immobiliser. Gardaí also mention a sensor, linked to your house alarm, that can be fitted to the car.Gardaí, Park Smart (Crimecall, 26 February 2024)
Thatcham Research certifies aftermarket systems: Category 1 (alarm and immobiliser), Category 2 (immobiliser) and Category 2-1 (alarm).Thatcham Research, security certification
Have it fitted by a professional, and ask your insurer before you buy.
Wheel clamps and locking wheel nuts
A clamp on the wheel that stops the car being driven, or nuts that stop the wheels being taken.
Buttons marked “See it on Amazon” are affiliate links; the others go to the maker’s own site and earn us nothing. We pick these from published specifications and what is sold to Ireland. We have not tested them ourselves.