Theft Prevention

[Geo P]

I have a buddy that just had his AT4 stolen over night. In short, the police told him that chevy and Ford F-150 4x4’s are the most stolen vehicles in Texas and I’m sure that’s probably the case in other states as well. Just curious if anyone is doing anything like adding a kill switch or maybe upgrading their factory alarm system??? I am relatively new to the forum so my apologies if this has already been discussed elsewhere. I just bought a 2022 XLT Lariat Powerboost and I’d hate to see it get stolen when I could have done something more to avoid it. Any recommendations are much appreciated.

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[KTM753]

There are some good ideas in this thread:

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/f150-car-theft.9274/page-2

Do you have a garage to park in overnight?

If not, physically disconnecting a battery cable or removing a fuel pump relay can render the truck not drivable. Extreme but not stealable...

 

[flatag]

Buy good insurance.

 

[Mike Kristie]

Kill switch and the TAG tracking system.

 

[Highway 11]

So, alarm systems, depending where you are, have varying levels of effectiveness. In urban areas most people will just ignore them.

Most of the vehicle thefts I've seen are a result of drivers leaving keys in their unlocked vehicle for convenience. If you're locking your vehicle, then you're way ahead. Up here the most common method of theft is through relay attacks and OBD port attacks.

A relay attack uses a receiver to pick up the signal from your keys in your home, which broadcasts the signal with a repeater at your truck. These were really popular but seem to have fallen out of vogue in the last year. You can defeat this by using a faraday pouch/box and keeping your keys deep in your home. There are inserts you can use to make your keys turn off when not in motion, however I found they were spotty. Ford's manual indicates the FOB will go into sleep mode when not in motion, however I haven't seen any real world information confirmation.

The OBD port attack is more common now, not so much on Fords but more on Stellantis and Toyota products. The vehicle is breached (punched window, defeated locks, etc) and a new key is programmed through the OBD port before your vehicle is taken away. You can defeat this by getting an OBD port lock, however I've heard that there's a significant wait time to program keyfobs (again, no official confirmation) on the F150. This is why there's an epidemic of stolen Ram 1500s. Ironically F150 thefts here are down with the 14th generation for some reason - not sure if there's been a upgrade in security.

You can get a IGLA system that requires additional input before starting the truck (think button combination as a passcode), but realistically if a thief wants your truck, they'll get it. There are videos online showing thieves attacking the rear window or headlights of Toyota Highlanders to get into the CANBUS system to steal the vehicle in seconds. Something about a better mousetrap leading to a better mouse.

The TAG system in Quebec seems to have made a dent in theft there - insurance companies are now paying for it. Fordpass tracking will be disabled in the first few minutes of a theft.

My theft prevention? Both of my neighbours have Ram 1500 trucks.

 

[Geo P]

Unfortunately, no garage space. But thanks for the info. I’ll have to look into the OBD port lock and the IGLA system. I had no idea those existed. Glad I asked. Appreciate it.

 

[WhiteLightningnshitshadow]

I was a little surprised at the alarm systems on the Gen14s. The advanced security wasn't available (shortage) when I got mine apparently, but I can jump in the bed and nothing happens. Not the case with my older trucks.

 

[powerboatr]

pit bull or large dog with aids that cant be taken out of truck is only sure way the bad guy wont drive it
an ignition hard interlock really is only way to defeat the drive away.

but towing it is hard to defeat
the knuckle heads .. drive up, drop the stinger and take off with the car in short order.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

Keep your key in a faraday bag or box

They are using repeater attacks to steal these Pushto start vehicles.

 

[ReverendQ]

Some thoughts,
1) https://talonsgarage.com/products/ford-f-150-powerboost-skid-plate-catalytic-converter-shield
2) https://accessories.ford.com/produc...1-mcgard-tailgate-lock?variant=40733442244799
3) Wheel Locks
4) https://realtruck.com/p/bak-revolver-x4s-tonneau-cover/v/ford/f150/2023/
5) https://www.f150forum.com/f129/23-spare-tire-lock-whats-everyone-doing-541380/index2/ post #12
6) https://accessories.ford.com/produc...cle-security-system-21?variant=40747148247231

Kill switch, Steering wheel lock (club), Wheel Boot, remove fuel pump relay...and Armed Guard

 

[JExpedition07]

Insurance, if someone steals it I don’t want it back because they screwed with wires

 

[SumGuy]

Keep your key in a faraday bag or box

They are using repeater attacks to steal these Pushto start vehicles.

The range on the key is pretty limited right? So are thieves setting up in parking lots with sniffers? And then following you home?

 

[JJSnell]

$17.00 Club is one of the oldest and best deterrents around...
Sure they can (eventually) cut the bar or pick the lock but usually when a theif sees them, they just move on...
$17.00 done deal

 

[bgalakazam]

Move to a “good neighborhood”. How do you even sell a stolen vehicle like that anyway?…

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

The range on the key is pretty limited right? So are thieves setting up in parking lots with sniffers? And then following you home?

No they are coming to your house with antennas and amplifiers while another guy sits in the car with a repeater. Plenty of videos on YouTube of this

they do it in parking lots also. While you are walking away.. they Al walk with you

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