Car security began with a removable steering wheel, soon after the first recorded car theft in Paris in 1896. Locks, alarms and keyless entry followed, and immobilisers made hot-wiring nearly impossible. Today GPS trackers show where a stolen car is, while carmakers add cybersecurity to stop hackers taking control remotely.
Car theft is as old as the car itself. The first recorded theft took place in Paris in 1896, and it began a fight that car owners and makers still face today. That theft led to the first anti-theft measures and showed the need to protect a hard-earned asset.
For car owners today, vehicle security is a battle that never ends. Thieves keep finding new tricks, and the people trying to stop them keep finding new tools. Carmakers know this, and they keep improving car security so owners can trust that their cars, and the goods inside them, are safe.
Not everyone is out to steal your car, of course. Still, it never hurts to have systems in place that deter thieves or help with stolen vehicle recovery. Here is how car security has changed, from its simple beginnings to the advanced systems of today.
Early Car Security
Cars needed security as soon as they hit the road. One of the first answers was a removable steering wheel. Drivers could take the wheel off and carry it with them, so a thief could not drive the car. It was not practical for everyday use, though, as few drivers wanted to lug a bulky steering wheel around.
In the 1920s, another company, Scripps-Booth, made the first car locks for its torpedo roadster. These locks were new, but they were far from foolproof. Thieves could often get past them with ease, which left cars at risk.
At first, drivers needed separate keys for the locks and the ignition, until single-key systems became common in the 1960s. Car locks only became a reliable way to stop theft in the 1970s, when better designs were built into cars at the factory. Locks are now standard on all cars. These early ideas were flawed, but they laid the groundwork for the security systems we rely on today.
When were car alarms invented?
The first car alarms were invented in 1913. These simple early models used basic parts to scare off thieves, but few people took them up. Car alarms only caught on in the 1950s, thanks to Victor Helman’s mass-market alarm system.
These alarms made a loud noise when someone opened a car door without first turning off the master switch. The aim was to scare off thieves and alert owners, but the alarms had their limits. Modern alarms do far more, and they are often built into the car at the factory or sold as add-ons.
Even now, car alarms are not foolproof. Many people tune out the sound and assume it is a false alarm, not a real theft. Clever thieves have even been known to set off alarms on purpose to hide the sound of a break-in.
Keyless Entry Systems
Keyless entry arrived in the 1980s and was a big step forward for car security. Ford brought out a passcode entry system in 1980, so owners could unlock their cars without a key. Two years later, Renault took the idea further with remote keyless entry, which let owners lock and unlock their cars with a small transmitter.
Keyless entry made cars easier to use, and at first it also made them safer. With no physical key, there was no lock to pick. Today, keyless entry is standard on most vehicles, and it has become the way a great many cars get stolen. Relay attacks and cloned fobs are driving the current wave of thefts, which we cover in why car theft is rising again.
The Evolution of Immobilisers
Immobilisers are one of the most effective car security inventions in history. They were patented in 1919, and at first they stopped the engine starting without the right key. In the 1980s, they began to use electronic chips built into car keys.
These advances cut car theft sharply. A 2016 study of the Netherlands in the Economic Journal found that immobilisers cut car theft by about 40% between 1995 and 2008. For how theft compares across Australia today, see our car theft statistics by state.
Modern immobilisers stop the engine unless the right key or fob is present. This makes hot-wiring nearly impossible and makes a car much harder to steal. Fitting one can cost $200 to $500, but immobilisers remain one of the best security features a modern car can have.
Visual and Physical Deterrents
Alarms and immobilisers are high-tech, but physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and tyre clamps still play a part in car security.
- Steering Wheel Locks: A nod to the first removable steering wheel, these locks stop the wheel from turning, so the car cannot be driven. They are bulky and less common today, but they still work well as a visible deterrent.
- Tyre Clamps: Often used for long-term storage or by police, tyre clamps lock onto a car’s wheels so it cannot move. Forcing a clamp off can damage the tyre and wheel housing, which makes it a strong deterrent.
GPS Tracking Technology
GPS tracking changed car security by showing where a car is in real time. Common GPS tracker features let owners see their car’s location, get alerts when it moves without permission, and in some cases even stop the engine remotely.
A car GPS tracker is especially useful for getting a stolen car back quickly, often within hours of the theft. There is a wide range on offer, so owners can choose one that fits their budget and security needs. Our guide to the best GPS tracker in Australia can help you choose.
A GPS tracker is the next step after the alarm and immobiliser: it shows you where your car is. Trusted by 30,000+ drivers.
Cybersecurity in Modern Cars
Cars now run on more and more software, so cybersecurity has become a major concern. Many modern cars connect to the internet, can drive themselves in part and link up with smart devices, and all of this leaves them open to hacking.
To fight back, carmakers are adding strong cyber defences, such as encrypted communication, firewalls and intrusion detection systems. These tools aim to protect private data and stop hackers taking control of a car remotely.
Future Security Challenges
Self-driving cars bring new security challenges. They rely on complex software to find their way and make decisions, which makes them prime targets for cyberattacks. Hackers could tamper with these systems, causing crashes or stealing private data.
To deal with these risks, developers are working on cybersecurity built for self-driving cars. The aim is to protect passengers and keep self-driving technology safe.
The Potential of Quantum Cryptography
Looking further ahead, quantum computing poses a serious threat to the way data is protected today. As quantum computers grow more powerful, they could break the codes in use now and make many modern security measures useless.
To stay ahead, researchers are exploring quantum cryptography. It uses the laws of quantum physics to create codes that are close to unbreakable. In the coming decades, it could become a standard part of car security, keeping cars safe from even the most advanced cyber threats.
How has car security changed, from locks to GPS?
Car security has come a long way since the first recorded theft in 1896, from basic locks to advanced GPS tracking and new ideas like quantum cryptography. As thieves adapt, staying ahead means acting early and using modern security. Every layer of protection makes a car safer, from a physical deterrent to a GPS tracker.
Self-driving cars and other new technology will keep changing car security, so staying informed is key to protecting your car. For help choosing the right tools, our FAQ section answers common questions on vehicle security.
Sources:
Wikipedia, Car alarm
Offgrid, 5 reasons you need a Faraday bag
LocoNav, What is an engine immobiliser
Wikipedia, Wheel clamp
Wikipedia, The Club (automotive)
CarSafe, Theft Watch
