Defender thiefs

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mikstone

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Hi,

I had my defender stolen a few months ago and could not understand how the thiefing b++++++s got passed the landrovers security. After speaking to people in the trade it appears they remove all the indicators, fused out the alarms and fit a adapted ECU which by-passes the imolibliser, rip out the steering lock, hot wire and your Landrover is an insurance claim. Landrover Ltd know of this problem but have done nothing to solve it. Fitting an extra alarm will help. I think if everbody complains to Landrover Ltd some might get done but in the mean time be warned.
 
You can get an ECU on eBay for less than £50.
The software and kit to reprogram it will cost you about £500.
The knowledge of what to reprogram is out there on the web but with a little patience you can work it out.
When I got my ECU chipped the guy used another ECU to get a baseline reading of any engine codes before he started changing mine. The ECU he used completly bypassed the alarm and immobiliser. He has also used this ECU to recover broken down TD5 engined Discos and Defenders for customers. He also told me that the same technique can be used for Freelanders and Range Rovers along with many other makes of car using combined OEM ECU/Immobiliser/Alarm systems.

Luckily he is an honest bloke. He refused to reprogram a spare ECU for me in this manner despite me assuring him it would only ever be used if I had a problem with my immobiliser or ECU.

But you can see that for relatively little investment the returns are very good on even a single stolen land rover. Just imagine if you were stealing one every week.

Does not help you but many peeps are sitting at home thinking their pride and joy is adequately protected. To prevent the scrotes shorting the alarm through the lighting circuits you need to fit a fuse in the alarm supply to the lights and the horn. Use as small a rated fuse as you can (it must be smaller than the alarm supply fuse but large enough to operate the circuit) or disconnect the lights all together. Flashing indicators do not really discourage thieves. This way the alarm will still sound when they try to get into the car.
 
If you know how its done then you know how to prevent it.
Guess that bit was way over your heads.
Maybe a little knowledge is a bad thing in your case. Ignorance really is bliss.
The people knicking these motors dont have to come to a forum like this to find out what to do. Many of them work in the industry.
 
Anyone who's inclined to nick your motor is already going to know how to do it. They don't need to trawl the net to find out. If owners have some idea how thieves operate it will help them defend against it so nothing wrong with this thread imho.
 
hughesy said:
Anyone who's inclined to nick your motor is already going to know how to do it. They don't need to trawl the net to find out. If owners have some idea how thieves operate it will help them defend against it so nothing wrong with this thread imho.
Click to expand...
Cheers Hughesy an honest and balanced opinion for a change.
You feeling all right ? You haven't abused anyone yet. ;)
You sure you're on the right forum ??? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
the guy was coming from the right place...
don't tell me no-one else has made a bell-end statement in their lives
Don't tell 'em Mannering or whatever 's name was(Pike?)

re wire your indicators or don't, buy some heavy duty steering lock or don't, you know go the extra mile for your pride and joy.
Can't imagine anyone who has picked up car theft tips from LandyZone, being out in my street with the stealth and finesse of a special ops team.
If see any one acting odd round any car, wherever, i let 'em know i've clocked 'em, just do...saves me getting all flummoxed and regretful, Karma fearing etc.
 
Due to my job, I am pretty uptogether on various ways and tactics used by criminals to steal vehicles.

Somebody attempted to nick my own 300tdi 110 back in June. I had added security measures including extra locks, relocated alarm sirens and an Isolater switch on my electrics.

They didn't get away with the vehicle. They then set light to it in numerous places. I got it back on the road but found they had also damaged the rear diff, rear prop, gearbox and transfer box trying to get it started pushing it or towing it down the road. I had it written off.

At the end of the day I still lost my landy. The only difference is that the thieves didn't make any money out of it.

Unless people know the types of tricks that criminals get up to they aren't gonna know how to protect their vehicles. Anything you do to slow em up or hinder them is a help.

NEVER TRUST THE STANDARD LANDROVER SECURITY SYSTEMS. THEY CAN BE BYPASSED ON MOST MODELS IN UNDER 2 MINS.
 
mikstone said:
Hi,

I had my defender stolen a few months ago and could not understand how the thiefing b++++++s got passed the landrovers security.

By hell!! you've had some back lash on this one mate :D :D I have to admit it was a bit of a reckless first post but it does highlight the falibility of Land Rovers security.

Welcome to the mad house anyway. :eek: :eek:

Rob.......I've got nowt worth nicking.
Click to expand...
 
i think that at the end of the day not matter what you have to protect your vehicle a gang of determined scallies will get it, a mate of mine had his taken from his drive by hiab straight onto a back of a lorry during the day, neighbours saw them and never said anything as it was a trials defender and they thought it had been picked up to go trailing with. it wasnt until my mate got home at 6 and the police had been round did they find out how it had happened!!!
 
iceman said:
If mine was nicked today I'd be glad to see the back of the bloody thing.
Click to expand...

Another satisfied land rover owner:D

According to our local paper "the derbyshire times" theres been 47 defenders stolen around these parts in the past few months, I think the only thing you can do is make it hard for them, but at the end of the day, if they want it then they will find a way of getting it, even if that meens breaking into your house and stealing the keys first !:eek:
 
47 Defenders stolen this year from High Peak. That's probably £500,000 worth of vehicles. You'd think the police would see that as a priority and make an effort to catch the thieves.
 
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