We are sorry to report that over the past six months, we have had an increasing number of phone calls from owners reporting that their Figs have been broken into, usually resulting in a ripped hood, a stolen stereo and stolen window switches.
Until recently, the Figaro has escaped most types of crime and will usually make the most gloomy person smile as it tootles on by. In the London area especially there appears to be a wave of this particular type of theft.
In its original state, the Fig doesn’t have anything like the security that modern cars now rely on. So we have put together an extensive guide to Fig security featuring techniques for you to adopt to avoid criminal activity affecting your Fig. Our guide ranges from crime prevention ideas to state of the art but discreet security systems.
THEFT PREVENTION DO’s and DON’Ts
DO…
1.Lock the doors and close the windows when you leave your car, however long you are leaving it for.
2.When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don’t have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place.
3.When parking outside, always try to park your car in an attended car park. Look for a public car park, some car parks also have ‘Secure Car Park’ accreditation – look for the sign.
6.Tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down to discourage vandals, Figgy aerials are not cheap so this is a good one to remember.
7.Mark all equipment, e.g. car stereo, with your car registration number
DON’T…
1. Leave anything on display. Even an old coat or plastic bag can be a tempting target for a thief
2. Keep valuables or important documents in the glove box. Leave the glove box open to show there’s nothing inside
3. Store your car’s documents in the car
Conclusion:
A Thatcham-approved immobiliser can help secure your Figaro. We fit a range of alarm systems from top manufacturers, which will make your Figgy easier to use as well as deterring crime. Features include an upper boot pop, central locking, remote control start up and all at the touch of a button. The alarm sensors are linked to movement and vibration and the latest advanced type of ‘microwave sensors’ only detect large mass movement. Therefore wind or leaves will not disturb you unnecessarily by activating this system.
Your car can have a ‘two bubble’ approach with one invisible shield outside the car giving a ‘warn away’ zone to prevent roof tampering, and a second interior movement sensor giving the final ear-piercing, light-flashing deterrent. Our Cat 1 Thatcham approved models all come with validation certificates.
As a price comparison to replace an upgraded Fig radio, one set of window switches, and one hood could cost you in the region of £1,000. Fitting an approved alarm could cost you in the region of £300, grant you peace of mind, and in many cases this could reduce your insurance premiums.
To enquire about our alarms, contact us at The Figaro Shop.
