Real risk of theft ?

[Puffin]

Hi-

Slightly paranoid new owner of 2024 plate Q5 45 TFSI Quattro Black Edition here. How far should I go to supplement the existing security of the car ? 

For example, would a Faraday pouch be advisable for the keys or (as I've read somewhere) do modern Audi keys deactivate the radio signals when not being moved ?

In addition, would a steering lock be advisable or are the cars already as theft-proof as they come ?  Maybe as a physical deterrent if nothing else ?

 

Thanks. 

[Magnet]

Welcome Phil, and apologies for the slow response.

I guess the extent of additional security requirements depends on the car’s location during vulnerable nighttime periods etc. 

I would say a steering lock could be considered on a why-not basis - making the car less desirable to steal due to extra time needed. Of course, it does come with its inconvenience to use, but…..

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Puffin]

No problem Gareth. Thanks for the reply. 

Wondered if you or others may know whether the radio signals from the key are deactivated when it is motionless?  Sure I read it somewhere 

[Magnet]

Hello Phil.

‘Nare-do-wells’ seldom worry about such things until they have damaged your car in an attempt to seal it, so does it really matter too much? Your car is still damaged. 
Garaged overnight? 

[Puffin]

No, just a driveway.

Cheers

[Magnet]

Have you got gates which are lockable? If not, you need to have a chain or whatever fitted to deter removing the car. 
Damage due to attempted theft can be more of a risk than the actual theft itself. 

[cliffcoggin]

1 hour ago, Magnet said:

Damage due to attempted theft can be more of a risk than the actual theft itself. 

Very true. A highly visible anti-theft device like a steering lock in bright yellow may well deter an attempted theft and avoid the damage, however I know from experience that such devices soon become too inconvenient to fit and remove after every journey, not to mention where to store them in the car during a journey. The occasional instance of not fitting it for a few minutes outside the shops eventually becomes not fitting at all.