westfield security

[paulprior21]

Hi, what do people do about security?, or are these type of cars not normally targeted?.

Thanks

Paul

[Kalli]

Shotgun.

[Captain Colonial]

In reference to what circumstance?  Overnight parking at home? While away from home?  Depends a lot on what you mean and where you leave the car.  Do you have a specific concern?

[Graham0127]

I guess all types of cars are targeted if you live in the wrong areas......round here they tend to target trailers and tractors,in fact I 've built "secure storage" for two neighbours and been asked to quote for a third.

When my car isn't in the garage I have a quick release steering wheel, isolating key on th scuttle which I stick in my pocket and the good old steering column lock.

No matter what you do though, if some scum bag wants your car they'll take it......probably not the greatest target for the opportunist thief though.......

BIT CONSPICUOS.........Luckily...also try getting four spotty hoody teenagers in one !

[paulprior21]

[Meakin]

As has been stated on what terms. My understanding.

Theft of the car unlikely as it's too easy to trace and parts unknown. Certainly professional thieves won't bother.

Joy riders tend to leave alone again too visible plus it only seats two.

Theft from. Well if you leave anything then it is a high target for opportunists. My old kit car regularly had its tax disk stolen hopefully with future changes no disk to steal.

Damage. Often will find rubbish left in car if roof down. Rare to get vandalism but depends where you park it. Certainly leave it where it's unlikely to have a lot of pedestrian traffic if you can help it. In public car parks I park either near the motorbike park or as far out of the way as possible.

Accidental damage/sitting in cars. Put a cover or roof up to stop people using it as a photo shoot opportunity.

Security I have an immobiliser standard red key battery cut off hidden under the dash. Parked in garage overnight no steering lock or other security.

My old house and kit car was parked on the street with roof up but used daily. I would recommend a cover if on a drive.

Hope that helps

[Norman Verona]

We don't have a theft problem in France, all the cars are outside and unlocked, One or two may have the keys in them.

 

However the real "problem" is if I leave the Seven or Midget parked in town I'm more than likely to return to a group of people looking at it and all taking it in turns to sit in it. They see nothing wrong in the practice.

 

We left about 7 Sevens in a village square somewhere in the middle of France once. When we returned there was a large group of elderly people around the car. A lady of about 95 years old was sitting in my car, The whole group were laughing so much most were holding the car to keep them themselves from rolling on the floor. A few were trying to lift the lady out as she was laughing so much she couldn't lift herself up to get out. Two of us took one armpit each and someone grabbed the rear end. We all lifted and she gracefully rose and stepped out. 

 

They thanked us profusely and after all the handshakes wandered off.

 

Back to the topic. My 7 has no steering lock and a toggle ignition switch. The starter is a big red button. I do have a hidden switch for the fuel pump and the battery key is on the dash so that gives some protection. It has been left in Sheffield City centre many times as well outside many pubs in town and the village (Bradfield). Never had a problem. I work on the principle that even if someone did get it started they would fail to operate the clutch as it's a twin plate competition unit which really does work like a switch.

[Arthur]

Mine has a factory fitted immobiliser, it's a bit of a pain as I have to "de-mobiliser" it by inserting the fob, then take it out and put the key in the steering lock. At least I know no one is going to drive it off. Always people looking at the car when left in town, not had anyone sitting in it though - not sure I would be best pleased if they were!

Also, I always try to leave it in a place where it can be seen, as I used to with our Harley, which also attracted a lot of attention.

If all else fails, there is always the shotgun !

[SootySport]

There is virtually no risk of stealing the car by driving off with it, as most people would not be able to fit in it, especially with fixed race seats. The ignition lock on mine his hidden under the dash.  The only concern I have is where the car is parked, does it attracted the wrong kind of Yoof regarding vandalism.  You have an immobiliser Arthur and would have thought that is good enough to prevent thefts.

 

The only 7type cars that are at risk of theft would be the recognisable and expensive Caterham models, which does happen.

[greenandmean]

If you want something visible get one of the chain/padlocks the motor

 

cycle guys use, loop it through a front wheel and wishbone.

 

Never had a problem with mine when left with tonneau cover on, sometimes came back to it to find lights on if I had left tonneau cover off.

[M444TTB]

Mine has carbs with no choke for added security. Good luck jumping in and driving that straight out of my garage Removeable steering wheel now also in place.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Ah, the mystical power of the tonneau cover!

 

You'd be surprised at the almost magical nature of the simple tonneau cover and it's strange ability, via a few pieces of vinyl and some press studs, to keep the average person out of the car.

 

Removable wheel helps to some extent, and if parking up for the day at a show, event or just generally out and about, I use a motor bike chain threaded through a back wheel, the RAC roll bar and so I don't have to lug it round with me, the steering wheel, (removed and in the boot or where ever).

 

Immobilisers, my limited exposure to them in Westfields is when several years down the line they start causing electrical gremlins in mates cars that result in road side head scratching sessions.

[6carjon]

I have removable steering wheel,msa cut off switch and a hidden fuel cut off. If it were stolen I think my neighbours would help the thief get it started......

[Sparkymart]

I'm building a 12 pin plug and socket to connect the steering wheel to steering column to connect the buttons on the wheel, two pins will be linked out in the steering wheel side breaking the ignition circuit when the wheel is removed, double security ;-)

[Stevo]

Whenever I leave mine out in public I remove the ECU :-) 

 

To be fair its not about the car being stolen, the ECU sits just under the dash on some velcro just about in view and since it's worth about £500 second hand I figure that's the thing that will get nicked!