Car Theft Prevention Devices & Anti-Theft Technology
Here at SpaceHawk GPS, we understand how stressful car theft can be—especially if you rely on your vehicles for business. We’ve worked with countless drivers and business owners, helping them find practical ways to protect their cars and delivery fleets. We know that the right device can make all the difference, whether it’s stopping theft before it happens or helping you recover a stolen vehicle quickly. That’s why we created this guide.
We’ll walk you through some of the best car theft prevention devices available today, focusing on the features that matter most:
- Real-time GPS tracking for fast recovery
- Steering wheel locks that deter theft
- Car alarms to alert you and scare off thieves
- Immobilizers to prevent unauthorized driving
- Battery life and ease of use
In this guide, you’ll get practical advice, product pros and cons, and real-world insights from people who’ve used these tools to protect their vehicles. Whether you’re looking to safeguard your personal car or secure a fleet of delivery vehicles, we’ve got the information you need to make the right choice—no fluff, no sales pitch, just advice you can trust.
Mini GPS Tracker – Best Overall Solution For Theft Recovery
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- How It Works: Wireless GPS tracker you can hide on any car.
Has your business lost a work vehicle to theft? Or maybe your personal car was targeted by thieves out for a quick score. Either way, having a vehicle stolen throws a wrench into both your business and personal life, creating unexpected headaches and delays. That’s why protecting your vehicles with a real-time GPS tracker is so important.
The SpaceHawk wireless GPS tracker is a top choice for businesses and individuals who need reliable theft prevention. With real-time updates every three seconds, SpaceHawk delivers faster location tracking than competitors like
Vyncs and Lightning GPS, so you’re never out of the loop.
SpaceHawk provides accurate, live-streaming location data to help you stay one step ahead, making recovery faster if a vehicle is ever stolen.
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Antitheft Device Alerts You When Car Is Moved
- Provides Realtime Updates
- Never Worry About Your Vehicle Being Stolen Again
- Powerful magnetic mount
- Track The Location Of Your Vehicle From iPhone or Android
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KEY FEATURES
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AMAZON RATING |
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As of 4/02/2024 4.6 Stars | 4 Ratings |
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Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock
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Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock
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- Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (4,427 reviews as of 11/5/23)
- How It Works: The Tevlaphee car lock clamps onto the steering wheel with a self-locking mechanism and uses a key for unlocking
The Tevlaphee steering wheel lock helps prevent vehicle theft by keeping the steering wheel locked in place, making it undrivable without the key. Installing it is simple—just place the lock on the wheel and turn the key to secure it.
Made from tough, tamper-resistant materials, this lock is built to withstand attempts to break it. It’s also portable, allowing you to switch it between vehicles with ease. When you’re ready to drive, unlock it, remove the device, and you’re set to go.
For a reliable and hassle-free way to protect your vehicle, the Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gets the job done.
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AMAZON RATING |
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As of 4/02/2024 4.3 Stars | 4,754 Ratings |
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Robert Cogburn Positive Review |
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Amazon.com- Review Date - October 23, 2023 This theft deterrent for cars, trucks, etc. is one of the best I have found. I feel good when I ratchet it down around the brake and up into the steering wheel. It could be defeated, but I'm sure the thugs will cut the steering wheel to drop the bar. But overall, I give it 5 stars. |
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Susan Farq Negative Review |
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Amazon.com - Review Date - December 6, 2023
I use this product thinking it is better than this, but after using it, this is what happens: the top is iron, the bottom is not, and if it can come apart in the hands of a female, what will a female do? |
LATCH.IT – Best Antitheft Lock For Trailers & RVs
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Best Antitheft Lock For Trailers & RVs LATCH.IT
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- Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,276 reviews as of 11/5/23)
- How It Works: Latch.it RV Door Lock secures trailers with a metal, weather-resistant lock, requiring unique keys for access.
The LATCH.IT anti-theft lock adds an extra layer of security to your RV’s doors. The security device attaches directly to the latch, keeping the door locked tight unless you open it with a key. This helps stop break-ins and theft when your RV is parked and out of sight.
Installing it is quick and easy, and it fits most RV doors. Made from tough, tamper-resistant materials, the LATCH.IT gives you dependable protection whether you're camping, storing your RV, or traveling. Plus, it’s versatile enough to secure storage units, sheds, trailers, and more.
If you want a simple, reliable way to keep your RV and other valuables safe, the LATCH.IT is worth a look.
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AMAZON RATING |
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As of 4/02/2024 4.5 Stars | 4,559 Ratings
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JD Corr Positive Review |
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Amazon.com- Review Date - December 3, 2023 I purchased this to replace the factory original door latch on our 30-foot RV travel trailer. I love the fact that this one is metal, versus the original plastic POS that came with our trailer. It was simple to install and worked flawlessly. It also comes with a total of four keys. |
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Angie Negative Review |
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Amazon.com - Review Date - July 3, 2023
Lock sticks when trying to lock or unlock with a key; key sticks in lock; lock handle sticks in place inside and won't go into lock position; won't completely latch the door shut. I live full-time in my camper and have had this for six months, and it has gotten worse each month. I am about to spend the money to go buy one from Jayco, like I should have in the first place. This brand new lock was nowhere near the quality of my 10-year-old Jayco lock. I only changed it on account of wanting to have more keys and having difficulty getting originals remade due to the age of the camper. |
Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One 2-Way Remote Start and Alarm Bundle
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Compustar CS7900
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- Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,352 reviews as of 11/5/23)
- How It Works: The Compustar system secures your vehicle with remote alerts and alarm.
The Compustar CS7900-AS gives you both a 2-way remote start and alarm system, adding extra layers of security. Its loud alarm discourages thieves and could even lower your insurance by acting as a solid anti-theft feature. Installation is straightforward, and it offers more than just protection—you can start your car remotely, making life a bit easier while keeping your vehicle safe. With the CS7900-AS, you get a reliable security setup that helps protect your car and gives you peace of mind.
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As of 4/02/2024 4.3 Stars | 1,432 Ratings |
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Dee Positive Review |
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Amazon.com- Review Date - January 12, 2024 I installed this in my 2005 Chevy Express and had to buy a Blade AL module and the USB-to-UART web programmer in addition, which caught me off guard, but it is what it is. Once the module was programmed and installed, I only had to hook up like four wires, and it was good to go. It's one of the best alarm systems I've had other than in my Tesla. I'll definitely be buying another for my classic muscle car with a drone setup. |
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Erika Negative Review |
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Amazon.com - Review Date - October 18, 2023
I have no idea how this product got so many 5-star reviews because it is insanely complicated to install. I understand electricity, electronics, and building and unbuilding things, but I couldn’t figure this thing out. Instructions were made only to force you to hire a professional. |
9 Simple Ways To Protect Your Vehicle From Car Thieves
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ANTI-THEFT MEASURE |
DESCRIPTION |
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW |
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GPS Car Tracker |
A GPS tracker allows the car to be tracked if it is stolen, which can help the police locate and recover the vehicle. |
Recommended by the Department of Justice. |
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Steering Wheel Lock |
A device that physically locks the steering wheel in place, making it difficult for thieves to steer the car. |
Used by police in Maryland in high-crime areas. |
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Car Alarm |
A loud alarm that can deter thieves and alert others to attempted theft. |
May annoy neighbors and lead to fines. |
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Immobilizer |
Prevents the car from starting without the specific key or fob. |
Makes it difficult for thieves to steal the car. |
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Park in Well-Lit Areas |
Parking in visible, well-lit areas can reduce the risk of theft. |
Deters thieves who prefer targeting less visible cars. |
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Steering Column Collar |
Makes it more difficult for thieves to remove the steering column, a common target in car thefts. |
US Department of Justice also states this is a great way to prevent theft. |
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Kill Switch |
An electronic switch used to disable the car's electrical system, making it inoperable. |
Autoweek recommends this as a tool for auto-theft security. |
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Smart Car Security System |
Uses smartphone integration to lock and unlock your car, set alarms, and track the car's location. |
Some auto forums suggest this is these are best for theft prevention. |
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Lock Your Car and Take Keys |
Always lock your car and take the keys with you. |
The Texas Department of Insurance suggests this. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Effective Car Theft Prevention Method?
The best way to prevent car theft is by using a mix of strategies. A steering wheel lock, car alarm, immobilizer, and GPS tracker all work better together to make your car less appealing to thieves. Parking in well-lit, busy spots also makes it harder for anyone to try something without being noticed. By layering these defenses, you’re not just making it harder for someone to steal your car—you’re also improving your chances of getting it back if they do.
Why Is GPS Better Than Steering Wheel Locks Or Car Alarms For Anti Theft?
GPS tracking devices for cars are considered the best way to protect your vehicle from theft. Why? Because steering wheel locks and car alarms can all be manipulated by a motivated, crafty criminal. This makes your vehicle still susceptible to theft, and stuck paying various costs associated with a stolen vehicle. These associated costs include:
- Payment Of A High Auto Insurance Deductible
- Rental Car Costs
- Missed Time From Work
- Higher Car Insurance Premiums
Having your vehicle stolen is stressful enough, but having to pay for all the associated costs can be a financial nightmare. Yet, this is what business owners deal with if a work vehicle goes missing. This is what makes real time tracking devices such a great tool. And the best part? They work on any type of vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, boat, or recreational vehicle! Investing in a realtime GPS is the best way to be proactive in securing an asset.
How Many Vehicles Are Stolen Each Year?
In the United States, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported 748,841 motor vehicle thefts in 2019. However, in Canada, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reported that in 2019, there were approximately 61,758 reported incidents of auto theft. Finally, in the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in the year ending March 2020, there were 105,903 thefts of motor vehicles.