NCJ Number
101722
Date Published
1986
Length
34 pages
Annotation
Individual States or automobile insurance companies should offer premium discounts for the installation of antitheft devices in automobiles.
Abstract
However, the Federal Government should not establish a design standard, because thieves could rapidly defeat the standards, which would be publicly known. The current antitheft devices are called 'black boxes' and include active alarm systems engaged by the driver and passive systems that take effect when the key is removed and the door is locked. Antitheft systems include alarms, devices that disable the vehicle, and motion sensors that activate the other devices. Antitheft devices are currently available on several domestic and import vehicles as standard or optional equipment. Current devices work only in conjunction with power door locks. Manufacturers' suggested retail prices range from $159 to $450. Few data exist regarding the effectiveness of antitheft devices, and available statistics are inconclusive. However, the Department of Transportation believes that these devices have the potential for reducing thefts. The Department thus recommends that States examine the feasibility of enacting laws similar to those in Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York, which give comprehensive insurance discounts to policyholders who install antitheft devices. The Criminal Division of the Department of Justice concurs with these findings.