Crash Bytes (Dec. '05)

The Unkindest Cut of All

Let's face it, when it comes to staging an auto theft, some vehicle owners are very creative in making the vehicle appear to have been stolen. Then there are those who just don't quite fully think it all through before they plunge right in.

This year's winner of the "How Could I Be That Stupid" award goes to the not-so-savvy owner of a hot Acura RSX that was reported stolen and was recovered submerged, mostly, in a local canal. (Unfortunately the water just wasn't deep enough to cover the vehicle, which actually was recovered a half-hour before it was reported stolen). The owner just couldn't believe his "baby" could be stolen from his driveway, especially when he had the only ignition key firmly in his possession.

This beauty was equipped with a state-of-the-art anti-theft system including audible alarm, ignition disable, and LoJack transponder (no doubt to protect the now-missing amplifier and boom box formerly squeezed in behind the front seats). To facilitate the "theft," the power wiring to the audible alarm was cut, disabling the alarm. BIG PROBLEM -- the same circuit also energized the ignition switch. So, when the alarm circuit was disabled, so was the car! And you know what that means . . . . Whoever "stole" the car actually used the ignition key, and only disabled the alarm after it was driven to the edge of the canal!!

Gee, I wonder whodunnit . . . ? As Perry Mason once said, "Committing a crime isn't particularly difficult.  It's the getting-away-with-it that's the challenge."

(P.S. Have the Happiest of Holidays and the Nicest New Year!)