The best products and advice to help prevent car theft in Canada in 2023

Car theft is a growing problem in Canada, and as we enter 2023, it’s more important than ever to take steps to prevent it. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, car theft rates have been steadily increasing over the past few years, with many of the stolen vehicles being shipped overseas or used for parts. However, there are many effective ways to prevent car theft, and with a bit of effort and the right tools, you can greatly reduce (but not eliminate) your risk of becoming a victim.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to prevent car theft in Canada in 2023. We’ll cover everything from physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and immobilizers, to digital tools like GPS tracking and remote monitoring. Whether you live in a high-risk area or just want to take extra precautions to protect your vehicle, these tips will help you keep your car safe and secure.

The Club

The Club is a well-known and affordable anti-theft device that has been used by vehicle owners for many years. It is a visible deterrent that is easy to install and prevents thieves from stealing your car.

Visible Deterrent

The Club is a visible deterrent that sends a clear message to potential thieves that your vehicle is not an easy target. When The Club is attached to your steering wheel, it creates an additional barrier that a thief must overcome to steal your car. Thieves are more likely to move on to an easier target rather than risk the attention that The Club may bring.

Easy to Install

The Club is one of the easiest anti-theft devices to install. It comes with simple instructions and can be installed in a matter of minutes. Once installed, it can be easily removed and stored in the trunk of your car when not in use. The convenience of installation and removal makes it a popular choice among vehicle owners who want an added layer of protection.

Prevents Hotwiring and Wireless Signal based thefts

One of the benefits of The Club is that it prevents hotwiring. Hotwiring is a technique used by thieves to start a vehicle without a key. The Club prevents the steering wheel from being turned, making it impossible for a thief to steer the car. It also covers the ignition, preventing access to the keyhole, which makes it difficult for the thief to start the car using a hotwire.

Affordable

The Club is one of the most affordable anti-theft devices on the market. It is an excellent option for vehicle owners who want to protect their cars but cannot afford to invest in expensive security systems. The low cost of The Club makes it accessible to a wide range of vehicle owners, from students to retirees.

Click here to see reviews of The Club on Amazon Canada

 

Tire Clamp

A tire clamp, also known as a wheel lock or boot, is an anti-theft device that is designed to prevent thieves from stealing a vehicle by immobilizing it. The tire clamp attaches to the wheel of the vehicle, making it impossible for the car to be moved without first removing the clamp.

Highly Effective

A tire clamp is one of the most effective anti-theft devices available. It is a physical barrier that prevents a vehicle from being moved, making it nearly impossible for a thief to steal the car. A tire clamp is often used by law enforcement agencies to immobilize vehicles that are parked illegally or have outstanding tickets. The effectiveness of the tire clamp makes it an excellent choice for vehicle owners who want to protect their cars from theft.

Easy to Install

A tire clamp is easy to install, and most can be attached to a wheel in a matter of minutes. Once attached, it can only be removed with a key or specialized tool, making it a highly secure anti-theft device. The ease of installation makes it a popular choice among vehicle owners who want an added layer of protection.

Highly Visible

The tire clamp is a highly visible anti-theft device that sends a clear message to potential thieves that your vehicle is protected. The bright yellow color of most tire clamps makes them easy to spot, and the sight of a vehicle with a tire clamp attached is usually enough to deter thieves from attempting to steal it. The visibility of the tire clamp makes it an excellent choice for vehicle owners who want to prevent theft in high-crime areas.

Cost-Effective

A tire clamp is a cost-effective anti-theft device that is more affordable than most other security systems. The low cost of a tire clamp makes it accessible to a wide range of vehicle owners, from students to retirees. For those who cannot afford to invest in expensive security systems, a tire clamp is an excellent option for preventing auto theft.

Click here to read user reviews of a popular tire clamp from Amazon.ca

Another good tire clamp/anti-theft device worth considering

 

A loud, vibration activated audio alarm

A loud vibration activated audio alarm is an anti-theft device that is designed to deter potential thieves from stealing a vehicle. When triggered, the alarm emits a loud, piercing sound that alerts the owner and others nearby that the car is being tampered with.

Deters Thieves

The primary benefit of using a loud audio alarm is that it deters thieves from stealing the vehicle. The loud sound of the alarm is designed to attract attention and scare off potential thieves. Thieves want to remain undetected, and the sound of a loud alarm draws attention to the car and the thief. The sound of the alarm also increases the likelihood that someone nearby will call the police, which can lead to the thief being caught.

Easy to Install

A loud audio alarm is relatively easy to install, and most can be installed in a matter of minutes. Many car owners choose to install the alarm themselves, which can save money on installation fees. The ease of installation makes it a popular choice among vehicle owners who want an added layer of protection.

Provides Peace of Mind

Using a loud audio alarm provides peace of mind knowing that the vehicle is protected from theft. Knowing that the alarm will sound if someone attempts to steal the car can reduce anxiety and stress associated with owning a car. Vehicle owners can feel more secure knowing that they have taken steps to protect their vehicle.

Click here for reviews of a popular vibration activated audio alarm for cars and bicycles

 

Faraday Key Fob Protector

A Faraday Key Fob Pouch is a small, affordable device that can provide significant benefits in preventing car theft. It is a specially designed case that blocks radio waves and other electromagnetic signals that are used by car thieves to gain access to a car’s keyless entry system.

Prevents Keyless Entry Hacking

One of the most significant benefits of using a Faraday Key Fob Protector is that it prevents keyless entry hacking. Car thieves use electronic devices that can amplify and capture the signal sent by a car’s key fob, even when it is inside a house. With this amplified signal, the thief can open the car doors and start the engine without the need for a key. By keeping the key fob inside a Faraday Key Fob Protector, the key’s signal cannot be amplified, and the car remains secure.

Protects Against Relay Attacks

A relay attack is a type of car theft where a thief uses a device to amplify the signal sent by the key fob. The device relays the signal to another device near the car, which can then open the doors and start the engine. By using a Faraday Key Fob Protector, the signal from the key fob cannot be amplified, preventing relay attacks and keeping the car secure.

Cost-Effective Solution

A Faraday Key Fob Protector is a cost-effective solution for preventing car theft. It is an inexpensive device that can be purchased for less than $10. Compared to other anti-theft devices such as car alarms or steering wheel locks, a Faraday Key Fob Protector is a much more affordable solution.

Provides Convenience

Using a Faraday Key Fob Protector also provides convenience to the car owner. Many people carry their key fob in their pocket or purse, and removing it from there and putting it inside a case may seem like an inconvenience. However, many Faraday Key Fob Protectors come with a convenient keyring or clip that makes it easy to attach the case to the owner’s keys or belt. This way, the key fob can still be carried around without the risk of signal hacking.

Preserves Battery Life

Keeping a key fob inside a Faraday Key Fob Protector also helps to preserve its battery life. When the key fob is in range of the car, it sends out a signal to communicate with the car’s system. When the key fob is outside the range, it does not need to send a signal. By keeping the key fob inside a Faraday Key Fob Protector, it is not constantly sending signals, which helps to extend the battery life.

Additional Protection

Using a Faraday Key Fob Protector provides additional protection for the car owner. It prevents the key fob’s signal from being intercepted by thieves, which can help to prevent identity theft. Some Faraday Key Fob Protectors also come with an additional layer of protection, such as a physical lock or a GPS tracker. These features can provide even more protection for the car and the key fob.

Click here for reviews of a popular Faraday Key Fob protector from Amazon.ca

Apple Air Tags

The Apple AirTag is a small, coin-shaped device that can be attached to any object, including a car. It uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs. With the help of Apple’s Find My network, the AirTag can track the location of a car in real-time, making it an effective tool for preventing car theft.

Here are some of the benefits of using Apple AirTags to prevent car theft:

Real-Time Location Tracking

One of the biggest advantages of using Apple AirTags is their ability to track the location of a car in real-time. This means that if a thief tries to steal your car, you’ll be able to locate it immediately and take action to prevent the theft. The AirTag can also send you notifications if it detects that your car is moving when it shouldn’t be.

Easy Installation

Installing an Apple AirTag on your car is quick and easy. Simply attach the AirTag to your car keys or slip it into a hidden compartment in your car. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to track the location of your car from your Apple device.

Low Cost

Compared to other anti-theft devices, Apple AirTags are relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a single AirTag for around $40 – this makes it an affordable solution for anyone who wants to protect their car from theft.

Integration with Find My Network

Apple’s Find My network is a vast network of Apple devices that can help you locate your lost or stolen devices. When you attach an AirTag to your car, it becomes part of the Find My network, which means that you’ll be able to track its location from any Apple device that’s signed in to your Apple ID.

Privacy and Security

Apple AirTags are designed with privacy and security in mind. The AirTag uses end-to-end encryption to protect your location data, and it’s designed to prevent unauthorized tracking. In addition, the AirTag has a built-in feature that alerts you if it detects that someone else’s iPhone or iPad is traveling with your AirTag.

Click here to read reviews on the Apple AirTag on Amazon.ca

 

Car engine immobilizer

An immobilizer device is an electronic security system that prevents a car from being started without the proper key or key fob. When an immobilizer device is installed in a car, it requires a special code or signal from the key fob before it will allow the car to start. This makes it virtually impossible for a thief to steal the car without the key fob – but be aware, thieves are discovering new wireless theft vectors all the time, so make sure your immobilizer is still effective before you buy one!

Here are some of the benefits of using an immobilizer device to prevent car theft:

High Level of Security

An immobilizer device provides a high level of security against car theft. It makes it almost impossible for a thief to start the car without the key fob, which means that even if they are able to get into the car, they won’t be able to drive it away.

Affordable

Installing an immobilizer device in your car is relatively affordable, especially when compared to the cost of replacing a stolen car or paying for an expensive insurance policy. The cost of an immobilizer device can vary depending on the make and model of your car, but it typically ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Easy to Use

An immobilizer device is easy to use. Once it’s installed, all you need to do is carry the key fob with you when you want to start the car. The device will automatically recognize the key fob and allow you to start the car without any additional steps.

Works Automatically

An immobilizer device works automatically, which means that you don’t need to remember to activate it every time you park your car. Once it’s installed, it will activate automatically when you turn off the ignition and leave the car.

Given the complexity and proprietary nature of car ignition systems, we recommend consulting with your local car dealership on the purchase and installation of an immobilizer for your vehicle.

 

Brake pedal lock

A brake pedal lock, similar in design to a steering wheel lock or a club, is a physical device that is placed over the brake pedal or the steering wheel to prevent the car from being driven. When a brake lock is installed in a car, it makes it difficult or impossible for a thief to drive the car away without removing the device. Here are some of the benefits of using a brake lock to prevent car theft:

High Level of Security

A brake lock provides a high level of security against car theft. It makes it difficult for a thief to drive the car away, even if they are able to break into it. This is because the brake lock prevents the car from being put into gear, which means that the thief would have to remove the device before they could drive the car.

Affordable

A brake lock is a relatively affordable solution for preventing car theft. It typically costs between $20 and $100, depending on the make and model of the device. This is much less expensive than the cost of replacing a stolen car or paying for an expensive insurance policy.

Easy to Use

A brake lock is easy to use. Once it’s installed, all you need to do is attach it to the brake pedal or steering wheel when you park your car. The device will automatically lock into place and prevent the car from being driven away.

Visible Deterrent

A brake lock is a visible deterrent that can help to deter would-be thieves from attempting to steal your car. The sight of a brake lock attached to the brake pedal or steering wheel can be enough to make a thief think twice before attempting to break into the car.

Versatile

A brake lock can be used on any type of car, regardless of the make or model. This means that it’s a versatile solution that can be used by anyone who wants to protect their car from theft.

Review of a popular brake pedal lock from Amazon.ca

 

Park your car in your garage

One of the most effective solutions to prevent car theft in Canada is to park your car in a garage. Here are some of the benefits of parking your car in a garage to prevent car theft:

Increased Security

Parking your car in a garage provides an increased level of security. It makes it difficult for thieves to access your car, as they would need to break into your garage first. This added layer of security can be especially important if you live in an area with a high rate of car theft.

Protection from the Elements

Parking your car in a garage also provides protection from the elements. It can help to prevent damage from hail, snow, rain, and sun exposure. This can help to keep your car in better condition, which can also help to deter thieves from targeting it.

Decreased Risk of Vandalism

Parking your car in a garage can also decrease the risk of vandalism. When your car is parked on the street or in a parking lot, it’s more vulnerable to vandalism by passing pedestrians or other drivers. Parking it in a garage makes it less visible and less likely to be targeted by vandals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to recognize that no single option for preventing car theft in Canada is foolproof. While there are a variety of measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of car theft, each strategy has its limitations and vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach to car theft prevention that incorporates a range of different strategies.

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