Paranoid about wheel theft? This might help.

So as we have seen wheels are a big deal in the R community. But what about theft? Are you worried about this?



Ouch my heart goes out to these fellas and gals. But if you notice in two of the pictures the windows are broken. That is because almost everyone keeps their wheel lock key in the car. The thieves were breaking the window to get the key. We need the key with us incase something happens and they know that. So they just break a window and look for the key in the glove box or trunk. Now some thieves don't bother with the key and if you have the factory set of locks they basically do nothing to slow these thieves down. They just take along 4 sockets (also stolen from home depot or somewhere) that just fit over the lock lug and smack it on with a 2lb hammer and then ratchet the lug off. In order to stop this you need to go online and look for a set of lugs that are all locking like this or whatever brand you chose.


In this case they would need 20 sockets (cause the lug is stuck in the socket after they hammer them on) to remove all the lugs and that ain't gonna happen. Also don't leave the key in the glove compartment or trunk. I mean nothing's gonna stop them from breaking the window to look but at least don't let them find it. I hide mine in the vin compartment... or do I? LOL under the passenger floor mat. No one is gonna think to look there honestly and is easy to get to for you.



Or can hide it in the rear side panel where the fuel funnel is but I would think they would look there.

I wouldn't be too upset if someone stole my stocks.. Probably get like $5k from insurance lol

Z06Chris said:

I wouldn't be too upset if someone stole my stocks.. Probably get like $5k from insurance lol

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LOL yeah get full value for the oem wheels and then go get aftermarket but dang the mess they make broke windows cracked skirts and who knows what other damage to the car if they leave it on the ground. The hassle of it and the being without car for weeks while repaired would blow. Plus I dont like my cars repaired.

Those CTR's on cinderblocks, milk crates or nothing make me weep.

Shoot to kill...

I live in an inner city gentrified neighborhood where we've got $400K-$500K homes right alongside 70/80-year-old homes whose main value is basically the land itself. There are a hell of a lot of poor people in the neighborhood who are the nicest people I've ever met, and there are some asshole rich people here, too. It comes with the territory. There are also some sketchy zones, like the drug corner at the end of my block (that I honor and respect by never reporting and effectively staying out of the game in any way).

I recognize my situation is a bit unique, and I do what I can because I'm a vigilant mofo in deterring thieves from my baby. I have wheel locks, and I keep the key in my messenger bag at all times (the bag is always with me when I drive and not in the car otherwise as my wife does not drive my vehicle). When my wife's car isn't parked behind mine in our super steep driveway (another awesome deterrent that wasn't planned but works well), I keep my keys in a Faraday pouch. I also keep a knock-off club on my steering wheel for safe measure, and lastly I have a dedicated camera system watching the vehicle closely at all times from my home.

But no, I'm not worried!

Dragnet said:

Shoot to kill...

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Please check your local self-defense laws to determine if you will go to jail for following this advice or not. Wheels are not worth jail time.

If someone wants to steal your wheels, they will steal them with or without wheel locks. They do make socket sets designed to grip and rip lug nuts off, these are to be used if your key gets lost (or.. in some cases, for theft)

You can't prevent it.

SBPerformance said:

If someone wants to steal your wheels, they will steal them with or without wheel locks. They do make socket sets designed to grip and rip lug nuts off, these are to be used if your key gets lost (or.. in some cases, for theft)

You can't prevent it.

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The point is to slow them down or encourage them to look elsewhere.

As an aside, the Euro Type R wheel locks are harder to break because they have a floating steel collar. Commonly-found (cold) removal tools like sockets won't work. I am not saying those locks are impervious; just harder to remove.

SpicyMcFatburger said:

Please check your local self-defense laws to determine if you will go to jail for following this advice or not. Wheels are not worth jail time.

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Our concealed permit instructor jokingly told us to drag the body into the car so it would qualify under castle doctrine

Key word is jokingly

I’m not responsible for any jail time should you employ this method

The key for the style shown in the original post can be purchase for about $5 at your local tire store.

Those windows were not busted out - if thieves want your wheels, they don't need the key to get your locks off. The windows bust when the frame bends because of the shitty rock they used to prop the car up instead of a proper jack at a jack point. Look at the last picture - glass on the outside. Generally, windows busted in have nearly all the glass inside.

Notice the one un-busted R has no bent frame.

Z06Chris said:

I wouldn't be too upset if someone stole my stocks.. Probably get like $5k from insurance lol

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Don't forget about the Carfax report when filing an insurance claim.

Morning Mahogany said:

Don't forget about the Carfax report when filing an insurance claim.

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Carfax will show 0 accidents but have a damage claim. Just keep the paperwork showing you had your rims stolen.

It's not that bad.