IMMOBILISE NOW!

Immobilise Now! is a NMVTRC initiative to reduce the rate of theft of older cars by youths who steal vehicles for joyriding, transport or to commit another crime. This represents 3 out of every 4 vehicles stolen in Australia.

Research indicates that an electronic engine immobiliser is the best form of vehicle security available to deter these opportunistic thieves.  Learn more about engine immobilisers here.

In order to secure the maximum number of older vehicles fitted with an immobiliser, the NMVTRC has established the CAR-SAFE Immobilise Now! program, a partnership with suppliers and installers to provide immobilisers at an affordable price.

MYTHS AND REALITIES

Myth
My car won't get stolen.

Reality
A car is stolen every six minutes in Australia which adds up to almost 85,000 thefts per year - one of the highest rates of vehicle theft in the western world.

Myth
No one will want my old bomb.

Reality
The majority of vehicles stolen are over 10 years old and are used for joyriding, transport, or to commit another crime. Unskilled youths target these vehicles because they generally lack effective security devices and are therefore easy theft targets.

Myth
Most cars are stolen by highly organised gangs who will steal my car no matter how I protect it.

Reality
Only around 1 in 4 vehicles are stolen by professional thieves. The majority of vehicles are stolen by opportunistic thieves who use the cars for joyriding, transport or to commit another crime. These thieves rely on finding older vehicles that have ineffective security or none at all. An engine immobiliser will deter opportunistic thieves.

Myth
It doesn't matter if my car is stolen - my insurance company fully covers me.

Reality
Research shows that many people who have had their car stolen do not feel that insurance took all the pain out of losing their vehicle or covered all their costs. Most victims of theft end up out-of-pocket and unfortunately insurance cannot always cover for the inconvenience, the hassle of looking for a new vehicle and the feeling of being violated. Our surveys estimates that, on average, victims of vehicle theft incur costs of up to $5,000.

Thieves can also use your car to commit another crime or injure an innocent person. Almost thirty Australians on average are killed each year in stolen vehicle related incidents.

WHAT IS AN IMMOBILISER?

An engine immobiliser is an electronic device that interrupts the power supply to two or more systems required to start a vehicle's engine, that is the fuel pump, starter motor or ignition (see diagram). Unless the correct electronic signal is provided to the system by the ignition key, or a unique transponder or coded plug, the vehicle will not start. The system is de-activated by a constantly changing signal that is virtually impossible to 'crack'.

All immobilisers fitted under the Immobilise Now! program comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Vehicle Immobilisers (AS/NZS 4601:1999, amended in 2003). This ensures that the immobiliser cannot be easily overcome by thieves and will not affect the safe operation of your vehicle. The standard also ensures that the immobiliser is automatically activated when you turn off the ignition. All you have to do is take your keys and lock your doors.

Learn more about engine immobilisers here.

DO IMMOBILISERS WORK?

Immobilisers are the most effective vehicle security devices currently available.

NMVTRC research indicates that immobilisers are fitted to around 45% of all vehicles in Australia, but only 7% of stolen vehicles. In many instances, where a vehicle fitted with an immobiliser has been stolen, the thief had access to the original key. This highlights the importance of not leaving your car keys in a place where they can be easily found by thieves.

STANDARD FEATURES

All Australian Standards approved immobiliser systems include:

• Automatic immobilisation within 40 seconds of ignition switch-off

• Two independent points of immobilisation

• Connections enclosed in security housing

• All black security wiring

• Flashing dashboard LED when system is armed

• Secure owner PIN override.

Engine immobilisers fitted under the Immobilise Now! Program do not include an alarm as a standard, but some models may be integrated with an alarm and other optional features.

RANGE OF IMMOBILISER DEVICES AVAILABLE

Several manufacturers supply products to the Immobilise Now! program. The full range of immobilisers can be classified into four distinct types based on the device used to deactivate the unit.

An electronically coded Jack Plug (which is like an extra key) that must be inserted in a socket mounted in the fascia of the dashboard to allow you to start the vehicle.

An electronically coded Touch Key in place of the Jack Plug. It also requires a socket to be mounted in the dash.

An electronically coded Transponder Tag (about the size of the cap of a ballpoint pen). The transponder communicates with a wiring loom securely installed around the vehicle's ignition. If you attach the transponder to your car key key-ring it will be close enough to the wiring loom to send its deactivation signal when you insert your key in the ignition.

For an additional charge a Remote Transmitter device may also be interfaced with central locking (or the vehicle's existing central locking system where fitted) to provide keyless entry to the vehicle.

All four types of devices offer you very high levels of protection at an affordable price. All you need to do is choose which one best suits your needs.

If you have technical questions about the devices please contact your nearest Immobilise Now! installer.*

*Some installers may not stock the full range of approved devices.

WHERE CAN I GET AN IMMOBILISER?

The Immobilise Now! voluntary immobilisation program operates in all states and territories except WA where a compulsory scheme exists.

Click below for details of the nearest Immobilise Now! installer in your state or territory.

LIST OF INSTALLERS FOR VICTORIA

LIST OF INSTALLERS FOR TASMANIA

LIST OF INSTALLERS FOR NSW and ACT

LIST OF INSTALLERS FOR NT and SA

LIST OF INSTALLERS FOR QUEENSLAND

HOW TO BECOME AN IMMOBILISE NOW! PARTICIPATING INSTALLER

Click here to find out about becoming a participating installer.

LIST OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

Click on the link below to find out which engine immobilisers are available through the CAR-SAFE Immobilise Now! program.

List of Immobilisers Available

Immobiliser suppliers to the CAR-SAFE Immobilise Now! program

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Immobilisers fitted under the Immobilise Now! program are available at participating installers from a recommended retail price of $160 to $200 installed, depending on your choice of product. Prices include GST.

This price is well below the recommended retail price of immobilisers usually available.

The condition and wiring of some older vehicles may mean that they cannot be fitted with an immobiliser under this program, or may incur an additional installation cost. In this case the installer is obliged to fully explain any additional costs and obtain your consent before commencing any work.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Learn more about engine immobilisers here.

If you have technical questions about engine immobilisers please contact your nearest Immobilise Now! installer.

To find out more about the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council phone or write to us at:

E-mail: info@carsafe.com.au (direct e-mail facility)

Suite 1, 50-52 Howard Street, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051

BROCHURES AND POSTERS

Immobilise Your Car brochure

Immobilise Now! poster

PRESS DETAILS