Security of morris minors...

[morrisman1]

they arent very theif proof are they! all one would need is ************

here, we dont have a problem with vehicle theft so im not really worried about it at all, half the time i leave my car unlocked. its never locked when its at home.

i noticed there is a 'stolen' forum on this site, is it quite common for someone to nick a morry, if they can, in the UK?

[ASL642]

Unfortunately recently there seems to have been a spate of thefts from the Bristol area. The answer is to fit some form a disabling device to the fuel system/electrical system so the vehicle just will not start. The thief can get in the car but not drive it away.

[Lukey]

The first time I drove the moggie my manager stole the car by **************** He then proceeded to hide my car on site but caved in and told me where it was before I had even knew it was missing. The cheeky bar steward.

Can my door just be opened because the cylinder is so worn? If I bought a new one would it not have this problem?

If you could buy an alarm and immobiliser or just an immobiliser that's thatcham rated for the same price what would you get? They both affect my insurance premium the same way.

[morrisman1]

a good immobiliser would be to take the rotor out of the dizzy

[Peetee]

On the understanding that it's not just honest Minor owners who are able to read this column, perhaps whe should keep these little 'security' measures close to our chests?
Could the moderators perhaps lock this sort of thread and put in a sticky that any answers should be PM'd to legitimate, know users only?

[bmcecosse]

The locks are all useless - new or old, so don't rely on them! Probably best bet is a good steering wheel lock - very obvious and should be enough to put thieves off. Secret petrol pump switch is good too - and remove rotor arm is good, if slightly messy.

[doctormorris]

I always had issues with this on mine as I could open and start mine myself if I forgot my keys... not saying how... I was very lucky really as in nearly 20 years of Moggy ownership I've never had one pinched.

Both of my Mum's were though at one time or another.

Up until now I've owned mainly tatty ones only ever having had about three really nice Minors, being of the opinion that round 'ere they'll get pinched or vandalised if they look too nice while they're parked on the road.

My own view regarding immobilisation is yes, take what steps you like but be prepared for the fact that if someone REALLY wants to pinch it, then not being able to start the engine won't deter them. I've heard of vehicles being moved out of the way in someone's drive so the Moggy can be taken!

An immobilisation device of some sort may slow down a casual theif long enough for you to deal with them, if you see/hear them that is (not that I'm suggesting you deal with the situation like that!) but it's unlikely to hold them up till the police arrive.

Steve

[bigginger]

On the understanding that it's not just honest Minor owners who are able to read this column, perhaps whe should keep these little 'security' measures close to our chests?
Could the moderators perhaps lock this sort of thread and put in a sticky that any answers should be PM'd to legitimate, know users only?

Agreed - suitable edits made (********)

[rayofleamington]

One of mine was nearly stolen - they broke in by smashing a window and then screwdrivered the ignition lock. I don't know if they got it to turn over - they never got anywhere as it wouldn't start anyway (been sitting for 18 months!).
My mum saw the door open the next day and let me know (I lived 40 miles away).

An ex g/f had hers broken into - probably by kids. They screw driver'd the ignition - presumably unsuccsessfully as they pushed it down the road instead. When they got bored or annoyed they trashed some of the interior, stole a bag and some other stuff, smashed speedo etc..

Neither of these were 'proffessional' theives as they had no idea what they were doing. The people stealing Minors in Bristol and Bath area have been doing it for maybe over 5 years and have had loads

If your locks are worn out, then replace them - locks that work is a good starting point before you add any extra security!! The extra security may or may not put of a proffessional theif. On a Minor, an expensive alarm/immobiliser will not slow down a well trained theif - so make something clever, hidden and custom.

To avoid getting a window smashed - never leave anything interesting on view (bags / tools/ sat nav / phone etc...) Whatever car you have! I've forgotten that rule and paid the price

[mrbenn]

I'm scared stiff of having mine nicked. Have beefed up security at home and don't even like so much as leaving it unattended when out

Must fit a hidden fuel pump cut off switch before next outing.

[BigStew]

I always use a stoplock on mine ,they are very quick and easy to use ,very visable and lets face it not many of us fit the latest state fo the art sound system in a moggy so I wouldn't bother with an expensive alarm / immobiliser.

[rayofleamington]

I always use a stoplock on mine

if it's the lock between pedal and steering wheel they won't stop a lot of people - only the ones with no idea what they are doing

[bmcecosse]

Yes - I belive the stop lock can be overcome very easily. A wheel clamp may be the way to go !

[shoebone]

A few years ago somebody once 'broke' into my pickup ........ turned the lights off and relocked the door !! Thanks whoever you are

[Kevin]

The simple and effective but slightly unsightly way is a stout piece of wood to tilt the drivers seat into the steering wheel and then use a stong chain and padlock to hold it in place.

[linearaudio]

Yes - I belive the stop lock can be overcome very easily. A wheel clamp may be the way to go !

Agreed-my old one was totally useless. Just turn one over and see how the turn"lock" latches!!