CAR thieves and the syndicates backing them have everything from guts to sophisticated technology to get any car they want, so motorists are warned to make car theft tough for the thieves.
"The key is to make it as tough as possible for the thieves, if they have set their targets on a car, they will find a way to steal it," said Bukit Aman CID assistant director of criminal intelligence (D4) SAC Abd Manaf Abd Razak.
Manaf said that there were numerous ways to better protect the security of a car.
"For one, try to park in more crowded and well-lit areas," he said.
Manaf said added security such as break locks and steering locks should also be considered.
"There are also immobilisers, kill switches and VIN etching where car registration numbers are etched onto the car windows."
Manaf also said that car owners could invest in Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) trackers to trace their cars, if stolen.
Manaf said that while syndicates could use sophisticated tools to override security systems or even tow a car away, added security would act as a deterrent.
"With added security, it would take a longer time to steal, making it more risky for the thieves.
"Forcefully removing etched windows, wires and other parts of the car, would eat into the profit margin of the syndicates, making that car less viable for theft," he added.
Sharing similar sentiments was the chief executive officer of Audio Video Security Works Sdn Bhd, Alex Lye who said car owners should invest in better security systems.
"A car thief takes less than five minutes to steal a vehicle.
"The longer the delay, the more likely they will give up," said Lye.
"Extra security system costs between RM80 and RM5,000 and this ranges from a simple steering lock to the more advanced GPS or GSM tracking system," he said.
Lye said that he usually recommends a THATCHAM immobiliser to his customers which costs RM950. He said it would take more than 30 minutes to defeat that system.
"All local cars exported to England, Australia, South Africa or EU have a minimum requirement that follows THATCHAM standards or similar standards."
Lye said that new car owners are often in a dilemma as the installation of a third-party immobiliser may void the warranty that comes with the car.
"Therefore, the simplest system to install without voiding the warranty is a wireless relay that connects and control your fuel pump or starter," said Lye.
"After 20 seconds of switching off your engine, the relay will start to work by having an open circuit. The thief can try to start the vehicle but it won't start," he added.