FAQ’s
FAQ’s
Why is it important to lock the vehicle’s engine compartment?
The reason is the same as why we lock other parts of the vehicle (cabin and boot) or the doors and fittings of our home: we want to keep outsiders out and away. Despite this, several people ignore or are not aware of the importance of keeping vehicles’ engine compartments safe as well. There are two reasons why it contributes to vehicle security with outstanding importance.
1. The electric and supplementary components essential for vehicles’s function are mostly built into the engine compartment. If a thief is able to get into this compartment, in the lack of any hindrance, they can remove and take whatever they want, hence potentially causing thousands of pounds (GBP) of damage to the owner. (This category of crime is a daily occurrence and can affect any vehicle owner).
2. The engine compartment is the only part of the vehicle that, with the proper technical foundation and system, can be made inaccessible against unwanted intrusion. As a result, an anti-theft system with anti-sabotage and anti-deactivation capabilities, should ideally be fitted in the engine compartment (post-manufacture). This kind of system can bring true security, making it the only approach providing full anti-theft vehicle prevention.
Who is this system recommended for?
Irrespective of vehicle type, transmission – including hybrid and electric – and manufacture year, fitting of the electro-mechanic engine compartment lock is recommended for all vehicles where the parts essential for vehicle function are located in the engine compartment, and the owner wishes to protect these with the help of a reliable anti-theft prevention system.
– Why do I have to lock all parts of the vehicle, including its engine compartment?
The answer is obvious. It is the way of preventing illegal access and theft of internal elements from the vehicle.
– Which sections of the vehicle are or contain valuable elements for thieves?
These are mostly located in the engine compartment. Theft, i.e. removal of these makes the vehicle non-functional.
– Who are the components located in the engine compartment useful for and why?
These components make the perfect addition when someone wants to repair a damaged or faulty vehicle using stolen materials. The reason they do this is because stolen materials can be sourced for a fraction of the market price. Demand for stolen components comes from:
– not being able to pay full price
– the buyer is financially stable, but the part is in short supply/unavailable
– What is the most common mistake an owner can do?
Conventional vehicle locks leave the engine compartment vulnerable to thieves.
– What happens exactly in these cases?
The thief is able to open the hood and gain access to the engine compartment without needing entry into the cabin itself. They can then steal any components (electrical parts, engine control unit (ECU), etc).
1. The key to efficient vehicle theft prevention is to consider them as systems rather than appliances. Why? Appliances, almost without exception, are mechanically placed into their destination following shut off of the engine. Since the deactivation of these are quick and simple, they make an easy target for thieves. As a result, the primary feature of an efficient anti-theft system is its ability to immobilise the vehicle’s ignition and initiate a warning alarm. It is essential that the elements of this system are built into the engine compartment, otherwise it will make it easy for a thief to deactivate and to steal the vehicle.
2. The second prerequisite of an efficient vehicle anti-theft system that is able to bring results and protection under all conditions is its ability to make the vehicle inaccessible. This can be done by locking the hood from the outside in an electro-mechanic way. This lock is an element of the above mentioned anti-theft system, i.e. it cannot be deactivated.
Another key factor of an efficient vehicle anti-theft system is the fact that its operation is controlled by a controlled by a remote, encoded, push-button remote control device with replaceable coding.
We can only talk about an efficient vehicle anti-theft system if all the above mentioned conditions are met with the system.
The basis of an efficient security system – irrespective of what needs to be protected, from what harmful factors and their potential effects – is making the valuable item(s)/element(s) inaccessible to unwanted people. This is not as easy as simply hiding something from them. If you hide something, people can find it. As a result, by its nature, this approach is unable to provide full, 100% protection. On the other hand, by making something inaccessible, despite the perpetrator being aware of the valuable item(s)/element’s whereabouts, it still provides full protection against them taking hold of these. The principle of inaccessibility is thus the basis of achieving 100% security. In most cases, however, not only is this principle not applied, many are not even aware of its existence. How does SHIELD VEHICLE PROTECTION come into all this?
SHIELD VEHICLE PROTECTION is the term used for the inaccessible anti-theft vehicle security system developed by us. The essence of our technology is that it is not the security system protecting the vehicle, but the other way around. It is the vehicle requiring the protection that defends the security system, hence making the latter inaccessible to thieves. As a result, due to its inaccessibility, the anti-theft security system cannot be deactivated and/or stolen by self-struggle only.
It is important to highlight that the principle of inaccessibility will never become obsolete. It has been around for centuries and is expected to do the same in the future as well!
– Shield, originating from Hungary, is a company specialising in anti-theft vehicle security with headquarters established over two decades ago. This means that our security system has over 20 years of experience behind it! Our company is not just a cheap vehicle alarm supplier which claims to be an expert in the field and “dabbles” with the vehicles for profit
– In addition to the appropriate experience, we also require our employee candidates to show responsibility and integrity
– We undertake and carry out business with full responsibility
– We make vehicles inaccessible by exploiting the SHIELD VEHICLE PROTECTION
– Instead of relying on delegation, our products are 100% produced by us, ensuring quality and development to the highest standards. In the past 20 years, we have been constantly adapting ours to the evolving vehicle technologies, keeping the best solutions for vehicle security in mind.
– In the 80,000+ vehicles protected by the SHIELD VEHICLE PROTECTION anti-theft vehicle security system, none were stolen from our customers
– We follow the current standards for our operation
– Our policy is not just to sell, but also to keep contact with our customers and to protect their vehicles. Our systems have prevented thousands of theft attempts and have helped authorities in finding numerous criminals since the initial launch in 2003
– Irrespective of vehicle type, transmission, value and manufacture year, our anti-theft security system can be fitted in any vehicle
– During our work, we ensure not to interfere with the vehicle in a way that would void the warranty
– The SHIELD VEHICLE PROTECTION anti-theft vehicle security system can be extracted and transferred to a (new,) different vehicle
– The SHIELD VEHICLE PROTECTION anti-theft vehicle security system is not there to create an illusion, but to provide real security. The aim is not to lessen the harm, but to prevent it from happening in the first place. We ensure that you can leave your vehicle anywhere, anytime with the peace of mind that you will find it in the same place on your return.
There are three ways a vehicle can be accessed.
1. Access to the anti-theft device itself
If the thief is able to access the electronics intended to provide security, they can quickly disable these. The easiest targets are anti-theft devices that have been fitted into cabin of the vehicle. A common misconception is that thieves are challenged when these devices, as an alternative, are fitted into the engine compartment. However, this is not the case as the engine compartment itself has not been locked against access, meaning that a thief can easily get into this compartment, remove and steal whatever they want and do so without any hindrance. In other words, these kinds of anti-theft devices are unable to provide full or reliable prevention against theft.
2. Access to the immobiliser
Disabling the anti-theft device is not the only possible target. When a thief is able to access the immobiliser – previously activated by that device – it can also present a risk to vehicle security. In these cases, thieves are not wasting time trying to locate the electronics of the anti-theft device. Instead, by gaining access to the cabin, they simply disabling the points connected to the anti-theft device. As a result, not even a complex or hidden switch panel will stop them from starting and stealing the vehicle.
3. Access to the engine compartment
Many owners make the mistake of locking the cabin and boot only, after each vehicle use. This still leaves one vulnerability. Thieves are able to force the hood open with a dedicated metal tool and gain access to the engine compartment without entry to the cabin itself. Once the engine compartment is accessible, thieves can manipulate the electronics of the vehicle and steal any specific parts or the vehicle itself, without any hindrance. This method is the most commonly applied among vehicle thieves, causing thousands of pounds (GBP) of damage to the oblivious owners.
It means that not only is it impossible to access the electrical device providing the anti-theft features, but also the functional points secured by this system. The thief might know what they are up against, but since they cannot access the anti-theft system, they are unable to deactivate it, hence making their job impossible and keeping the vehicle safe from theft. In other words, vehicles protected by such system cannot be stolen by self-struggle only.
In order to create this environment, it is essential to use an electro-mechanic lock such as the one employed by the SHIELD VEHICLE PROTECTION.
What is a car alarm and what is its function?
In general, most things are labelled as ‘alarms’ by non-professional drivers. Now let’s explore what is a car alarm system and what is its function exactly.
In vehicle security, the device that generates sound and light signals is the alarm. In case one is fitted into the vehicle, its function is to signal with flashing lights and sound effects in case the vehicle is opened after it has been locked, with the engine off.
The function of the car alarm
The alarm’s function is to signal, to alert the surroundings that something illegal is happening to the vehicle. That someone illegally opened the vehicle with intents of stealing:
– the vehicle
– personal belongings left in the vehicle
– easily removable equipment/accessories/parts from the vehicle (e.g.: steering wheel, airbag, etc..)
Important!
The sound generating alarm by itself is useless. It is only effective if it is made inaccessible after installation, so it cannot be sabotaged or deactivated!
The function of an immobiliser is to prevent the vehicle from being stolen after the engine has been shut off and the vehicle locked. These days, despite all vehicles being factory-fitted with an immobiliser, these are incapable of fulfilling their intended function. This is because these immobilisers are controlled via the transponder keys. Unlocking the central locking disables the immobiliser. Thieves are aware of this mechanism and use it to their advantage to be able to steal vehicles.
In case of vehicles with a “keyless go” system, i.e. ignition and shut off is controlled via a “start/stop” button, disabling the immobiliser via illegal ways is even quicker and easier. It is commonly known these days that theft of such vehicles can take less than a minute, as also proven by CCTV recordings.
The key to efficient vehicle theft prevention is to fit the vehicle with an immobiliser which works independent of the main transponder keys. It should be controlled via a separate device, which operates via a different frequency and has its own coding and encryption.
Important!
The immobiliser on its own is not enough! It can only function efficiently as an anti-theft system if made inaccessible post-fitting against thieves, i.e. it is impossible to disable.
What is carjacking and what is anti-carjacking function?
Carjacking is one of the many ways a vehicle can be stolen.As an action, the thief forces the driver (against their will) to give up control of their vehicle while the engine is still running. Although not a commonly employed method, it can still happen. In such cases, the thief does not posses the necessary knowledge and tools for starting up the engine by themselves, so it is imperative that they take possession of the vehicle while the engine is still running.
How to protect your vehicle against carjacking?
The way to prevent carjacking is to use the anti-carjacking function. If someone opens the door from the outside while the engine is still running, the anti-carjacking function is activated. After a certain period of time passes, this may present a sound and/or light signal, warning the thief that the engine will shut off soon. These warnings are also a good way of alarming anyone in the surrounding area that there is something wrong with the vehicle.
What is GSM?
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. In this context, a GSM unit can be integrated into the vehicle and is used for communication between the vehicle and the outside world. GSM sends the exact location of the vehicle, collected by the GPS, to the intended channels.
Can GSM act as a form of vehicle security?
Despite some advertisements or beliefs, in itself, GSM is not sufficient for vehicle protection.
Can GSM be the basis of vehicle security?
In a sense, yes, but it is again important to highlight that it cannot work on its own. If GSM is the sole vehicle security system, since it can potentially be manipulated and/or compromised (leárnyékolják szerepel az eredetiben, nem tudom, hogy ennek mi lenne a pontos megfelelője) there would be nothing left to protect the vehicle from threat. In the past 30 years there were thousands GSM protected vehicles stolen.
However, despite GSM not being efficient on its own, as an accessory to an anti-theft system, it actually is a very useful tool.
What is a GPS?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is utility system providing position, navigation and time services around the Earth, relying on satellite signals to transmit information . If a vehicle is fitted with a GPS receiver, the system can be used to locate the given vehicle.
Can GPS act as a form of vehicle security?
Despite some advertisements or beliefs, in itself, GSM is not sufficient for vehicle protection.
Can GPS be the basis of vehicle security?
In a sense, yes, but it is again important to highlight that it cannot work on its own. If GPS is the sole vehicle security system, since it can potentially be manipulated there would be nothing left to protect the vehicle from threat. In the past 30 years there were thousands GPS protected vehicles stolen.
However, despite GPS not being efficient on its own, as an accessory to an anti-theft system, it actually is a very useful tool.
These days, it is common acceptance that vehicles come with their own keys, responsible for controlling ignition. It is almost impossible to imagine a factory manufacturing any vehicles without providing this key. By doing so, it would seem that they are giving their product away without the necessary security provisions. As a result, one would normally expect that the absence of this key means that the vehicle (including cabin and boot) is not lockable. Despite this, several companies are selling vehicle anti-theft devices as “keyless”. We are convinced, however, that being “keyless” is not the safest option out there. When looking into the details, “keyless” is:
1. Referring to a state where control is not possible via a key; for something that is related to vehicle security
2. A misleading term to customers
Explanation
1. Lack of control and/or easy disabling
By not having a remote gadget to control the anti-theft device, one is unable to have full control over its function (on/off commands) and the vehicle’s safety since, technically speaking, there is no way to put the device in a locked state. This puts vehicle security at threat, hence providing a less reliable outcome. To put it into context, if someone was trying to sell a “secure door” with no lock mechanism or door handle by simply claiming someone needs to have permission to open it and enter, would you believe them?
An alternative is when control of the anti-theft system is integrated into the transponder keys. The problem with these, however, is that thieves are able to easily disable central and factory security systems – including the ones controlled by the transponder keys – without damaging their integrity, then open the car electronically. No matter if the vehicle is protected by an anti-theft device integrated into the transponder key or not, the result is the same: the vehicle will likely be stolen within seconds.
2. Budget over security
Due to their affordability over more complex systems, many turn towards “keyless” options, benefitting the companies selling these products. As explained above, however, choosing budget over security is not the safest option, its convenience can mislead users. These devices are usually unable to meet the expected added value and security and by the time the vehicles are stolen, the price has been paid and it is already too late to regret the decision.
FAQ
– What if the anti-theft system has no remote device to control it?
It makes the level of security void in a sense.
– What if the anti-theft system is controlled via a device integrated into the transponder key?
The outcome is the same. The expected added value and security is not met.
– Why is it important for an anti-theft system to have its own control device?
It serves as the basis for security and efficient theft prevention. Constitution is key, however. For example, keyless options, as explained above, can easily be disabled. On the other hand, an encoded remote control device with replaceable coding is a reliable solution with guaranteed security. This device will only emit a signal when commanded (push-button) and as a bonus, even if this signal is recorded, it won’t be useable again. The vehicle will not accept the same signal a second time.
Our company, originating from Hungary, has been exploiting this approach for 20+ years with results speaking for themselves. With over 10,000 satisfied customers, we received no report of a vehicle – protected by our anti-theft system – having been stolen. No thieves were able to disable our product so far, i.e. the system has been keeping vehicles safe 24/7.
– Is there a demand for electric/hybrid vehicles and their parts? If yes, why?
Whether its just specific parts or the whole vehicle, the obvious answer to this is yes and it’s for the same reason as for their internal combustion engine counterparts. In the future, this tendency is expected to be even higher due to the electric and hybrid car batteries (auxiliary) gradually losing capacity over time. The price to replace these is quite high (thousands of pounds), meaning that the demand for cheaper alternative sources will be sought after.
– How long does it take to steal an electric/hybrid vehicle?
It takes minimal time and to make things worse (and easier to the thief), it makes little to no noise.
– Is there a solution to prevent electric/hybrid vehicles from being stolen after they leave the manufacturer?
Yes, but it takes great competence to know what can and cannot be done. It is necessary to adapt to the mechanics of the electric vehicle in order to ensure that the security system can be perfectly matched to it.
– Is it necessary to lock the engine compartment?
Yes. In most cases with electric cars, the electric traction motor and the power inverter are, among other valuable parts, located in the engine compartment. Irrespective of the location of the electric traction motor and other parts, the same applies to alternative builds, even when the engine compartment is empty. In these cases, the components of the vehicle security system are still fitted in the space where the engine compartment would be.
What components are essentials for vehicle security?
Essentially, there are two categories of crime that can hit a vehicle owner:
– Vehicle theft
This happens to thousands of vehicle owners every year and is committed by higher level criminals armed with knowledge of lower end vehicle security systems. These thieves can easily deactivate imperfect systems, be it factory-fitted or later installed. The way to prevent this from happening is by blocking the engine from starting, which can be achieved with the aid of an immobiliser. It is important, however, that the immobiliser points activated should be located in the engine compartment.
– Break-in and stolen valuables/vehicle parts
This kind of crime is more frequent than vehicle theft, as it does not require the same level of knowledge and proficiency, making it a perfect match for committed, petty criminals. Anyone daring enough can execute these crimes and despite the lack of expertise, they can still leave plenty of damage. The vehicle might stay, but the elements taken are still pretty valuable. These thieves usually take costly, but easily removable parts, so they can sell it below market price when the buyer is low on budget or when the item is short in supply.
The best defense against car break-ins is a noise generating alarm. For best efficiency, similar to the above mentioned immobiliser, this should also be built into the engine compartment. By doing so, it becomes inaccessible to potential thieves, and as a result cannot be disabled by them, which makes the thieves look elsewhere for an easier target.
– Why is it important to lock all parts of the vehicle?
The answer to this question is detailed in our ’Importance of proper engine compartment safety” section.
– How can this be achieved?
The answer is quite simple: by having an anti-theft system fitted in the vehicle which meets all of the above-mentioned conditions.
– Who and in what capacity takes responsibility in this field?
Not all anti-theft vehicle security companies offer taking responsibility to the same extent. Most take liability for the work carried out, with warranty providing cover for this only. When it comes to vehicle theft (or break-in), however, almost none of them take responsibility. Liability is a crucial part of security provision and it should automatically be supplied by the company along with their products, solutions and other services. This should be the main principle of vehicle security for all for all providers.
What can we expect in the future and what should vehicle owners prepare for?
Vehicle theft is an existing and very real problem. Criminals specialising in vehicle theft have put considerable financial and intellectual capital and extending connections into their business. A thief can acquire more money in one day than an average person in one month. They are proficient and prepared. Stealing a vehicle with a start/stop button, for example, irrespective of type and model, takes one-two minutes maximum for them. In addition, when considering hybrid or electric vehicles, the same theft is almost noiseless. Unfortunately, car theft has been and will be part of our lives for a long time, despite many wishing otherwise.
Current conditions in the world are advantageous for criminals and a clear consequence of this is that as demand for stolen vehicles and stolen vehicle parts increases, the black market is flourishing. Car owners not only have to worry about their car being stolen, but also about break-ins for valuable parts. Those who do not have the means to buy an expensive part – or even if they have the money but cannot get it through a legal source due to short supply – will be forced to make do with what is available on the black market. The demand is certainly high, but so is the supply. In our opinion, the rate and number of crimes committed against vehicle owners will keep increasing. Anyone who does not take vehicle safety seriously can be a victim – many already are – of the worsening conditions in the world.
Comfort or safety? Is “keyless go” worth it?
Nowadays, car manufacturers almost exclusively make vehicles that can be operated as “keyless go” only. The main appeal of this design is that it no longer requires an ignition key to start the vehicle. Instead, a proximity card or an electric (smart) key is available to the vehicle user, followed by the use of the “start/stop” button once they are in the vehicle. The function of this design makes it necessary for the card or electric key to constantly communicate with the outside world, which is exactly what makes it vulnerable. It might be convenient to use, but security is reduced to almost nothing. The time required to steal such a vehicle does not exceed one minute! These days, “keyless go” vehicles are the easiest targets since they can be stolen quickly, without damage, and from almost anywhere (street, garage, garden, etc…).
As a result, vehicle anti-theft security companies promising/offering “proximity card” and “keyless” options as solutions create serious risks for their customers.
1. Is it possible for thieves to crack codes?
No, to crack a code, they would need substantial technical background, expertise and tools, which car thieves do not possess.
2. Then why is it an understanding that they can?
It is simply due to inadequate information, ignorance and spread of false information.
– The ones who spread this information usually do so without sufficient background or expertise
– Clueless people are prone to believe any information provided
In reality, when it comes to keyless go vehicles, the thief scans the unused code, thus stealing the vehicle using their own code. They exploit the fact that keyless go systems generate codes for the next initiation, which is transferred from the vehicle into the smart key/card after the engine has been shut off. By obtaining this code – and not hacking it – the thief scans it into the affected vehicle, which, due to its nature, the vehicle senses as legal/legit.
As a result, the thief is able to open the central lock and start the vehicle by pressing the start/stop button. However, this is not code cracking either, but the exploitation of the shortcomings of keyless go vehicles, which is a much easier job for thieves – even if this fact is less commonly known.
3. What is the safest control unit?
An encoded remote control device with replaceable coding ensures the highest level of security.