[Healeys] That Stolen Healey

[Oudesluys]

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''That might get a thief into the car, but 
what about the shutoff switch in the boot? ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

These 'universal' UK locks are extremely easy to pick. More so if they 
are a bit old, almost any key will do. A professional would be able to 
pick the lock of the boot/door/ignition within seconds without damaging 
anything. An amateur would ram down a sharp screwdriver and have the 
lock opened within a second. Locking convertibles is useless and even 
locking any old car is not very effective. If they want to enter the car 
they will enter it. Just do not leave anything of value behind.
Very helpful are hidden switches or a modern immobiliser that operate 
the fuel pump, an electrical valve in the fuel line and the ignition. A 
hidden hydraulic handbrake, basically a valve in the main brake line 
that is closed when the brakes are applied, will render the whole thing 
very hard to move.

Kees Oudesluijs
NL