Should I display the Alarm Stickers?

Given that I have a good alarm I always thought that displaying the stickers would deter the amateur thief - and they would pass my car by and move on to the next easier target

However, for the more professional thief are the stickers giving them key information (ie make & type of alarm - systems they need to bypass or features they need to be aware of etc) that would allow them to plan their strategy before starting their attack?

So here's the question should the stickers be displayed, Yes or No, what's the thoughts on this group?

 

I might aswell display mine, As clifford decided to write clifford ontop of the L.E.D
(Flashy light) In white letter's.

Which is situated just above my rear dimist switch for all to see it seem's!

Beside's i think the pro theif would be able to tell what alarm you had just by you setting it.

I know the clifford make's quite a destinctive sound.

 

I took mine off, as well as the sticker that said what make the face off stereo is... and am assuming that the professional will take a cat 1 as a pre-requisite when eyeing my car up.

I'm also booked to have the active Navtrak done in the near future, and use a steering wheel lock as a visual deterrent.

Simon.

 

personally i wouldn't put the alarm makers sticker on view, but i would put the alarm centres stickers on display where u had it fitted, and DEFINATELY dont put a tracker sticker on display!!

Andy

 

I've pondered over this more, and i think you should display them.

If a pro theif want's to take your car he most likely will, what alarm make you have won't make a differance to a real pro. (However i'm sure their more busy stealing prestige motor's)

Displaying the sticker's let's the car sterio/joyrider theif Know that it is alarmed and not just a flashy light, and let's face it these are the one's who cause the most damage breaking into our car's.
And if a little sticker like Clifford make's them think twice i'm all for it!

 

As far as I am aware it is a requirement of VSIB approved fitment. Be sure that you aren't shooting yourself in the foot if your insurer requires a VSIB certificate for the alarm, they may try to worm out of any payment.
A professional is going to know more about your car alarm than you (and probably your installer) anyway...
KF.
EDIT: Frankly the first attempt at expanation was rubbish. Edited for clarity.

[This message has been edited by KF (edited 11 July 2001).]

 

Either swap stickers with a friend who has a different quality alarm or get the place where you had them fitted to swap them - that way you can display stickers to deter the amateur AND confuse the pros. Probably....

Gordo

 

Dont display the name of the company that installed it either.

Have heard of theifs getting familiar with the way particular installers work.

Take Gordos advice and swap stickers.

Bri

 

The stickers on my car simply say 'Insurance Approved Alarm System Fitted' which pretty much says it's Thatcham approved without any hints as to what type of system or where it is fitted, also there are two flashing LEDs which also don't give any clues as to the identity of my alarm system.

I feel comfortable with this (or I did until this I started reading this thread).

Andrew...

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by KF:
<B>As far as I am aware it is a requirement of VSIB approved fitment.
[Snip][/quote]

Nahh, you can't be serious - Displaying Stickers is a VSIB requirement - You 'avin a laugh!

Comments from a VSIB fitter?

Where's Max when you need him?