If the author had a Ring doorbell (and looked at their crime reports), or participated on NextDoor, they would know that theft from parked cars is the number one problem in most neighborhoods. An alarm is still a good deterrent for people who do not park their cars in a garage.
The best and only important deterrent is to not have anything to steal, especially in plain view. If everyone did this then theft from parked cars would drop to zero, and break-ins to near zero. Smash and grabbers don't care about alarms. They'll be gone in a few seconds anyway.
Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
291–300 of 535 posts
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#292Earlier quoted context omitted.
It amazes me that, in wealthy countries, there are significant homelessness problems due to economic displacement. I consider it an existence-proof of the idea that a free market cannot solve all problems. I think homelessness due to other causes-- mental health for example-- are more complex but similarly demonstrate fundamental flaws in the framework of society. Only once was I able to give a homeless person a meal…
This is only my American perspective and wouldn't pertain to all wealthy countries, but I don't think it would be fair to categorize the US as having a free market. We have a market that has been increasingly weaponized to continue the old traditions of Jim Crow and segregation. Lots of people will ask "WTF happened in 1971?" ( https://wtfhappenedin1971.com/ ), but I find it impossible to do that without considering…
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#293Earlier quoted context omitted.
It prevents the fuel pump in the engine from working (I had to add an electric fuel pump because the original one isn't doing very well). Yes on the hot meal. I've been homeless and it stinks.
It amazes me that, in wealthy countries, there are significant homelessness problems due to economic displacement. I consider it an existence-proof of the idea that a free market cannot solve all problems. I think homelessness due to other causes-- mental health for example-- are more complex but similarly demonstrate fundamental flaws in the framework of society. Only once was I able to give a homeless person a meal…
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#294If the author had a Ring doorbell (and looked at their crime reports), or participated on NextDoor, they would know that theft from parked cars is the number one problem in most neighborhoods. An alarm is still a good deterrent for people who do not park their cars in a garage.
You forgot to add "in the USA" (or some other country). Where I live (Japan), AFAIK, theft from cars is practically non-existent. Leaving things in your car visible is not an issue. I don't think I've ever seen a pile of glass from a car window busted the entire time I've spent here (14 yrs) where as in SF, several times, I'd walk by Dolores Park or down Folsom and see a pile of glass every 3rd car space.
Once you get used to it living without such theft it's hard not to see places that have lots of theft from car issues as more 3rd world like than 1st. And it's sad that people get so used to it they take it as normal. I used to. In California had my car broken into 5 times and even stolen once.
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#295Earlier quoted context omitted.
Why not just have the alarm cut the power to the ignition or something less damaging than reversing the fuel pump?
Why not just live in a place where you don't have to assume that meth heads are going to try to steal your possessions?
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#296Earlier quoted context omitted.
It amazes me that, in wealthy countries, there are significant homelessness problems due to economic displacement. I consider it an existence-proof of the idea that a free market cannot solve all problems. I think homelessness due to other causes-- mental health for example-- are more complex but similarly demonstrate fundamental flaws in the framework of society. Only once was I able to give a homeless person a meal…
> It was Chipotle, so I hope I didn't do any lasting damage. You are killing me, too funny! I also have given money to people, not knowing how they would use it. I figure if there is a chance it will do them good, who am I to say how they use the gift
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#297Earlier quoted context omitted.
In my neighborhood, I've seen multiple reports of guns being stolen from vehicles. Anything of value should be hidden, such as dash cams, radar detectors, coins for parking meters, etc. People post videos all the time of hoodlums looking into car windows deciding whether or not it's worthwhile to break in.
Leaving your gun in your car and having it stolen sounds like a way to get framed for a murder!
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#298Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#299Earlier quoted context omitted.
The best and only important deterrent is to not have anything to steal, especially in plain view. If everyone did this then theft from parked cars would drop to zero, and break-ins to near zero. Smash and grabbers don't care about alarms. They'll be gone in a few seconds anyway.
Unfortunately your suggestion is only a half measure and a significant number of break ins are to steal parts off the car itself. Theft of airbags is very common as is theft of catalytic converters. Airbag theft: https://wjla.com/news/local/the-dc-area-has-become-a-hot-spo... Catalytic Converter theft impacting Prius owners. https://www.torquenews.com/8113/toyota-prius-owners-are-aski...
We checked NextDoor in the morning and it seemed like dozens had been taken that week.
Re: Why do they still make car alarms? (2015)
#300Anyone with a car alarm enabled in a city is just straight up rude and inconsiderate. I can't imagine the mindset involved for someone to put a device outside someone's bedroom window that will somewhat randomly start blasting loud sounds at all hours of the night. I'd support legislation making it illegal. Why are car alarms exempt from noise ordinances?
I live in a city and also own a converted van. The van typically has little of value inside it unless I am traveling. This van has an aftermarket alarm. I had this alarm installed after a nasty break-in in Vancouver BC which reminded me never to leave nice things in a vehicle. It makes some noise itself, but also comes with a fob and app that both also make noise. It has served me on at least one occasion where someo…