Ok. This is for all of those who've had wrong things done to their MINIs.

It g.damn got to me today. Most often these items come in at fixing costs right around our deductibles, which means nobody wins, - another mark on one's "Claims" record (if you turn it in), meaning in the future, premiums may be raised.

For those Good folks Bad things happened to; I hope that "Instant Karma" John () mentioned, is still a-comin' round!

Just reading through a few threads here with common themes of vandalism & disregard for responsibility got me nerved.... Cigs thrown in sunroofs?! Keyed new MINIs?!! Spit on?... Spit!!?!!

Let's Brainstorm On Security Possibilities:

I'll start with one I've been pondering with a friend for a while...

Is it possible to run an energy efficient, at least semi-accurate on-board, hidden camera? (The police seem to have these.) Of course it must be motion sensitive, as one wouldn't want it on constantly.

Could we mount 2 very small cameras near the dome light, each viewing a 180 degree area, - since MINIs offer panoramic views of the surroundings? Perhaps a few clues could be picked-up of offenses found done to the car while you're absent.

I'd love to see you all chime in with some ideas....

PS. For those who've had bad things like poor parkers baking your bumpers & swinging doors into yours & such, - don't forget to check with security if you're in a mall-type area. Often roof cameras are eveywhere (to many places!), & they just may have a little something on tape to help you catch them. Sure, - it's likely to be to much work, but it's your peace of mind. If we can't prevent such ignorant acts, maybe the persuasion of court-ordered, monetary restitutions will have to be their lesson.

(rant over) ...mostly better already
-sb

 

Yes, it was SPIT!!!!

Even if the camera recorded who did it, by the time I figure it out, they are long gone.
Great idea, but where would you put a VCR needed to record?

I think places should have MINI only parking. They could fit almost twice the amount of parking spots this way. And no more of that hidden mini / phantom free parking spot. Right up fron and a camera could watch us all.
Just my idea.

Or how about people quite spitting on my car! :evil:

 

Sorry the spit was upon your baby, MiniMac! :smile:

How are we ever to combat the anonymous bumper cracks & door dings?!

-sb

_________________
MINI: The best horse for the buck!

 

I can't see what good it would do to catch the vandal on camera unless they're serial spitters or something. What do I need to know what the fool looks like? It's not like s/he's going to end up in a police lineup or something...

"OK, #6, step forward and hock a lungie!"



Sorry, but s**t happens. It sucks when it happens to you (or me), but it does. Park as safe as you can. Don't be a parking jerk (2 spaces, sideways, etc.). Lock up (incl. sunroof!). And maintain your good karma. It's about all you can do.

 

Well, if that vandal was stealing 2 wheels smack dab in the middle of a busy-ish Chicago street, it might do you some good to see the vehicle he/she gets away in.


Right, Right. funny!

I know. It's futile to worry about the inevitable, - but I contradict myself for the spirit of the things.



_________________
MINI: The best horse for the buck!

 

There is a device for cars...I forgot what it is called. But it hooks to your car and administers an electric shock to anyone who touches the car. I saw it in a security store once. The ad slogan was "Now you car can fight back".

 

>> it hooks to your car and administers an electric
>> shock to anyone who touches the car.

Can you image the look on the metermaid's face when she puts the parking ticket under your windshield wiper!?

 

No one has mentioned the Trunk Monkey!

 

Or the South African car alarm.

 

>>There is a device for cars...I forgot what it is called. But it hooks to your car and administers an electric shock to anyone who touches the car. I saw it in a security store once. The ad slogan was "Now you car can fight back".

that would be great! more info!!!!

 

I've been thinking about crafting a car cover that makes my MINI look like a pea-soup green 1975 Pinto with mismatched doors and a primered hood. Maybe with a scabrous vinyl roof remnant if I can swing it. Nobody'd bother that -- hell, they wouldn't even see it.

_________________

Frau Blüecar -- MC IB/W. Motoring since 3-10-2003

 

Homer: "Ummm....pea-green soup. Ummm...1975 Pinto.

I concur, mpemburn, - a fine disguise!

jsun: All radical ideas equally accepted!

8Ball: the Trunk Monkey?! Do tell!

Keep 'em coming....

 

I've mentioned this in another thread, but here you go.

I'm picking up my car next week, and I'll be installing the MINI alarm myself and having the dealership activate it. Once they do I'm going to make one change to the alarm system.

You know the siren module that is mounted in the engine bay? You know, the one that everyone completely ignores when it goes off? Well I'm going to move that sucker into the cabin, right under the dash.

If someone wants to break into my car to steal something, I'm going to steal a little of their hearing in exchange...

 

Just make sure you get it WELL up under the dash where the wires cannot be easily reached. A skilled theft can cut the wires in an instant.

The loud siren in the cabin is a good idea, though, in that it can really disorient the theft and make it extremely hard to concentrate.

I know this from experience, unfortunately. I was working late one night in a client's office. I was given keys and alarm codes, but I forgot the alarm code...just totally blanked out for a moment. The alarm went off. It was incredible. It was so loud, I felt like my skull was pulsating. :smile:

It took me all of 10 seconds to disable the alarm. Previously, I didn't know where the alarm was located, and I had no tools in my hands. I simply followed the sound and found the alarm in the wiring closet, where I ripped the wires out with my bare hands.

I then called the alarm company and gave them the secret phrase, so the police wouldn't show up. Until I killed the siren, I could barely think.

See ya,
JS

 

The vandalizm issue is the only worry I have about becoming a MCS owner. I do not worry about mechanical problems or tires or windows... I worry that while I'm in the grocery store some idiot will scar my car on purpose.

What's the deal with that?

I wish there was a way to record on camera the happenings around your car.

 

I really did not plan on preaching, but I am an old man and is the one thing I do well. Pebbles, tihs happens deal with it don't hide from it. Yes vandles (sp) are vermin dolts. I had a radio ripped out of a 52 F1 Ford, it baerly worked but that didn't stop some jerk from tearing it out through the dash did it. I had a black Porsche 928s raped. Some scum bag sat at the rear of the car, took a razor blade a carefully removed all the black paint in the recessed ' PORSCHE ' across the rear of the car, leaving the primer showing. I guess at a distance, say 20 feet it almost looked nice. Don't ever let your fear some parking lot terrorist ever keep you from doing what you want. If you let these terrorist control where you go, what you buy,or how you live then the terrorist has won. Has'nt he. Yes it is a bummer but I buy, go, and live as I chose. Some scum bag driving a rusted out Pinto has a usless radio, skined knuckles, and looks really stupid talking to a fence. A crackhead artis' has OD'ed with a sculpted Porsche as proof to his legacy to mankind. Mad? Sure I was, but they are still losers and I still drive Jags, Porsches, and of course my beloved MINI. I WIN. Don't give these thugs the satisfaction of controlling you. They are a plt ( not worthy of cap. letters ) parking lot terrorist. Do not give into them> You are better that that.

rantings of an old man

Motor on or Motor over the plt