Generally agree with the above sentiments. I will say that the glass-break and shock sensors can add a small amount of additional security in higher-visibility areas. "Crying Wolf" is an obvious problem of any audible alarm system, but I sure wouldn't be rummaging around in a vehicle in a
populated area with the horn blaring and glass everywhere!!! Especially in Texas :whip:
I didn't want to screw with any aftermarket alarms with my new T4R, and opted for the (I believe to be port installed) premium security system with
shock and glass-break detection above the base keyless entry system.
Some claim the additional Glass Break and Shock sensors can somehow be enabled via Techstream, but I doubt Toyota would include Glass Break and Shock sensors in all models and simply not enable them
in software unless you pony up the cash.
Lead is indeed a great deterrent (Texan over 'yander - open carry headed our way!!!), but if you are inside at a nice restaurant or at the club doin your thang, you are not likely to catch the act in-progress regardless. Your .45 ACP's will be sitting in their respective holsters (even if you can open carry!) while some jack-ass breaks your window and snatches your
exposed valuables w/o opening the vehicle's door.
A glass break / shock sensor will at least call attention to such intrusions in your (and your gun's) absence.
So, you have a few options:
* Park where you can always see (and shoot at) your vehicle. Not entirely practical for a myriad of reasons (legalities of shooting at a car thief away from your homestead being just one). An alarm that texts you might work, but by the time you reach your vehicle, it's likely too late regardless...
* Don't park in high-crime areas. Also a pretty hard task in most cases IMO (I do my best to avoid such areas and situations, but not always possible).
* Keep a fairly stock looking ride w/o any bling or flash, and avoid any blatant stickers/advertising that would give a thief a reason to investigate your particular ride. (Had my "IF YOU'VE GOT IT, CRANK IT" sticker advertising phase in High School in the 90's, and learned my lesson twice!).
* Carefully stow ALL visible valuables and electronics including the associated cords/mounts which are a dead giveaway you simply put the associated devices in the glove box! I have a little DSLR camera bag I use to stow my electronics/cords/mounts, and will bring it inside with me in highly suspect areas. Even if they break in, nothing that is easily snatchable is left behind. Any stolen property ($10K audio system in my particular case) will need to be forcibly removed from the vehicle.
* Install amps/gear with non-standard Security Allen Screws or other uncommon attachment methods. While this can frustrate thieves and result in needless interior/exterior vandalism as retaliation, it can also result with the attempted theft ending with a broken window and nothing more (I'd much rather avoid additional insurance claims whenever possible).
Simply keeping temptations entirely out of sight can go a surprisingly far way when the idiot parked next to you has a GPS and some Amps and other gear advertised in plain view...
Knock on Gunstock (wood) my persistence on these matters continues my theft-free T4R experience! :sniper:
