Engine Immobilizers
Problems addressed
Robberies
Effectiveness

Effective

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Effective

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Life periods served
People of all ages
Where the program was applied
Community (streets or community centers)
Country of application
Australia
Description

This program consists of specific asset protection strategies with the main aim of reducing car theft by immobilizing the ignition system.
To this end, devices are installed that were designed to prevent vehicles from starting unless they receive the correct signal from the driver. The signal can be communicated by means of an electronic key or other technically appropriate mechanisms.

Impact evaluations

An impact assessment showed that the theft rate of vehicles with engine immobilizers was reduced compared to vehicles without the device installed. Thus, of the 116,906 vehicles stolen in 2000, 91.2% had no immobilizer, 4.9% had an immobilizer that did not meet Australian standards, and 3.9% did not meet local standards [1].
In the context of this intervention, the most effective immobilizers were those that met the strictest safety standards.

Bibliographic reference

[1] Potter, R. & Thomas, P. (2001). Engine Immobilisers: How Effective Are They? National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (Australia). https://carsafe.com.au/docs/immobiliser_paper.pdf

Information source