There's been a few NSX's reported stolen lately, so when i read this I thought it would be worth posting (or adding to the FAQ?). Some points will no doubt spark some interesting conversation. --NeoNSX
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<B>CAR THEFT AND REBIRTHING</B>
Australia has one of the highest rates of car theft in the western world. Following are tips to prevent your car being stolen and to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle when buying a used car.
<B>STATISTICS</B>
The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) lists the following nationwide car-theft statistics.
<UL><LI>Almost 139,000 cars were stolen in Australia from July 2000 to June 2001. This means a car was stolen every four minutes in Australia.
<LI>This is one of the highest rates of car theft in the western world.
<LI>There were 11 thefts per 1000 registered vehicles in Australia during this period.
<LI>Eighty per cent of these stolen vehicles were recovered.
<LI>Cars were most often stolen on Friday and Saturday nights and cars parked on the street were most at risk.
<LI>Most cars that are stolen are more than 10 years old. Thieves target them because they often lack security devices.
Rebirthing and used cars
<LI>Cars that are stolen are often rebirthed, or altered and then sold on the used car market.
<LI>To avoid buying a stolen car, only buy a used car through a licensed motor vehicle dealer. It is the dealer's responsibility to check if a used car is stolen, so you will not lose your car if it is found that it is a stolen car.
<LI>Do not buy cars that seem to be under priced.
<LI>Check that the vehicle identification plates and the vehicle identification numbers match those on the registration certificate and have not been tampered with.
<LI>If buying a car through a private dealer, ask to see the person's ID and check that it matches the details on the registration certificate.
<LI>Ask for receipts of purchase and services.
<LI>Check with the relevant state authority that there is no money still owing on the vehicle.
</UL>
<B>CAR THEFT PREVENTION TIPS</B>
The NMVTRC lists the following tips to prevent car theft.
<UL><LI>Do not leave a set of keys anywhere in your car.
<LI>Do not leave you car running while it is unattended.
<LI>Do not leave personal items in sight in your car and do not hide them after you have parked as thieves could be watching.
<LI>Always close windows, lock all doors and take the keys with you.
<LI>Never leave children or animals alone in the car.
<LI>Park in a well-lit and secure area at night.
<LI>Always use off-street parking where available. Almost 50 per cent of cars stolen are taken from the street.
</UL>
<B>HANDY PRODUCTS</B>
The Australian Consumer's Association recommends the following three products to prevent car theft.
<UL><LI>A self-alarming electronic immobiliser is an electronic device that interrupts the power supply to the systems that start your car's engine. Unless the system receives the signal, the car will not start.
<LI>A kill switch cuts the power to your car's engine. It can be installed by a car electrician and costs approximately AUD$100. While this offers some protection, a thief can find the switch and turn it off.
<LI>A steering wheel lock may deter some thieves but only a few models offer much resistance and can be broken.
Further information
<LI>The NMVTRC's car theft reduction site: www.carsafe.com.au
</UL>
==================
<B>CAR THEFT AND REBIRTHING</B>
Australia has one of the highest rates of car theft in the western world. Following are tips to prevent your car being stolen and to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle when buying a used car.
<B>STATISTICS</B>
The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) lists the following nationwide car-theft statistics.
<UL><LI>Almost 139,000 cars were stolen in Australia from July 2000 to June 2001. This means a car was stolen every four minutes in Australia.
<LI>This is one of the highest rates of car theft in the western world.
<LI>There were 11 thefts per 1000 registered vehicles in Australia during this period.
<LI>Eighty per cent of these stolen vehicles were recovered.
<LI>Cars were most often stolen on Friday and Saturday nights and cars parked on the street were most at risk.
<LI>Most cars that are stolen are more than 10 years old. Thieves target them because they often lack security devices.
Rebirthing and used cars
<LI>Cars that are stolen are often rebirthed, or altered and then sold on the used car market.
<LI>To avoid buying a stolen car, only buy a used car through a licensed motor vehicle dealer. It is the dealer's responsibility to check if a used car is stolen, so you will not lose your car if it is found that it is a stolen car.
<LI>Do not buy cars that seem to be under priced.
<LI>Check that the vehicle identification plates and the vehicle identification numbers match those on the registration certificate and have not been tampered with.
<LI>If buying a car through a private dealer, ask to see the person's ID and check that it matches the details on the registration certificate.
<LI>Ask for receipts of purchase and services.
<LI>Check with the relevant state authority that there is no money still owing on the vehicle.
</UL>
<B>CAR THEFT PREVENTION TIPS</B>
The NMVTRC lists the following tips to prevent car theft.
<UL><LI>Do not leave a set of keys anywhere in your car.
<LI>Do not leave you car running while it is unattended.
<LI>Do not leave personal items in sight in your car and do not hide them after you have parked as thieves could be watching.
<LI>Always close windows, lock all doors and take the keys with you.
<LI>Never leave children or animals alone in the car.
<LI>Park in a well-lit and secure area at night.
<LI>Always use off-street parking where available. Almost 50 per cent of cars stolen are taken from the street.
</UL>
<B>HANDY PRODUCTS</B>
The Australian Consumer's Association recommends the following three products to prevent car theft.
<UL><LI>A self-alarming electronic immobiliser is an electronic device that interrupts the power supply to the systems that start your car's engine. Unless the system receives the signal, the car will not start.
<LI>A kill switch cuts the power to your car's engine. It can be installed by a car electrician and costs approximately AUD$100. While this offers some protection, a thief can find the switch and turn it off.
<LI>A steering wheel lock may deter some thieves but only a few models offer much resistance and can be broken.
Further information
<LI>The NMVTRC's car theft reduction site: www.carsafe.com.au
</UL>
