OK, you can probably tell it's been a Loooooooong time since I bought a head unit. I just worry about being smashed again, like I was for my beloved, yet gone, Valentine One Radar detector (Who knew folks were still stealing radar detectors? Hadn't heard of that BS since 1992).

Anyhoo, I have seen some nice ones at best Buy, Earmark, and other places- but was just looking. I see some have detachable face plates, but some of the ones I'm most interested in (Navigation) don't appear to have any kind of built-in security. Is there anyway to protect this investment, once it's in the parking lot, and your back is turned? Or, is it just sitting on the dash saying...

Steal me...



Panasonic In-Dash Multimedia A/V Receiver (CQ-VD6503U)
PAN CQVD6503U
• 6.5" motorized screen
• 50 watts x 4 peak power
• Plays DVDs, CDs and MP3s
• Satellite radio-ready
• Digital decoders
• Wireless remote

 

I just checked the Pioneer website and it doesn't look like the face comes off the 2din units with the full screen. The single din does come off though. I'm curious as to the answer myself.

 

Sure. It's called an aftermarket security system.

If you're going to spend $1500 on something half the size of a shoebox that is highly desirable, then I would suggest that you spend $1250 instead, then spend $250 to make it more likely you can keep it.

Alarms won't stop dirtballs, but since the majority of dirtballs are chickensh#t and know there is easier money in a car without the little flashing light, they'll move on to the car without the alarm., 99 times out of 100.

BTW, any of the upper end models by Directed Electronics http://www.directed.com/Products/Security/Default.aspx can be set up with a little customization. Upper end Viper and Clifford are both really good pieces. If you're feeling froggy, jump on the remote start while you're at it.

Best advice you'll ever hear about alarms: the quality of installation is much more important than any other part of the security system. I've seen $1000 security systems that you could reach under the hood, pull one wire, and it was disabled...

 

Yeah, I know that is a deterent, I was hoping for something in the unit itself...
Alarms may deter some, but these phux here in Texas don't care. They do "smash & grab style thefts.







The day my Valentine One got stolen, (2 years ago today) they hit 4 other cars aside from mine, stealing only high-end detectors. Escort 8500's and V1's. This is with roving security guards in the parking lot, and cameras.

After an "exhaustive" investigation by the Richardson, TX PD. they could not find who did it. They stepped it up last year, stealing FACTORY Navigation systems out of the Denali's and Escalades in the parking lots. Apparently they hit 8 in one afternoon in ours, and nearby parking lots. (Factory Nav units- I thought they needed a code to operate)

This year, they took the ante up higher, stealing F-250's this time... Not just breaking in, stealing the whole truck...

So much for that "Anti-Theft" blinky light thingy... Now Richardson PD patrols the parking lots...

Damn shame people would rather steal yours, than earn their own...

 

There really is little you can really do about it IMHO. I dropped ponies on one, if somene wants it, it's theirs. They'd better hope it's not in my driveway at the time, else they might suffer a little lead poisoning...