Attempted B&E, Damage and How to prevent in future

[Miso]

This morning somebody tried to break-in to my M3 that is only 4 months old.?? ?They damaged the door handle and lock cylinder.? ?My aftermarket alarm scared them off. The cylinder is tight and there is damage to it.

With my previous VW, I was able to install a lock cylinder plug (dummy lock) and cap so that I would have total keyless entry. I called my local Mazda dealer, after explaining for several minutes what I was looking for, I was told they don't have this for the Mazda.

If I go with the dealer, I will pay (almost) as much as my insurance deductable and the risk is still there to replace the handle, lock, rekeying, and labour. The entire purpose of the alarm was to [try] to prevent the thieves from doing exactly what they did last night, damage to the lock and handle. Is there an aftermarket outlet that has what I am looking for?? What happens if I don't replace the cylender?? Will the rain damage the inside of the door and the mechanisms??

TIA

[derrick]

Any pictures of the damage?

Not sure what you mean by a "lock cylinder plug". Does it just replace the original lock cylinder so you can't place a key in?

[Miso]

Sorry, no pics., The damage is not too bad.? The area around the cylinder looks like someone melted it.? The little metal cover insider the lock cylinder is gone and there is resistance when using the key.? I want to just leave it, but I am worried about any damage to the inside of the mechanism and door.

Yes, the plug replaces the lock cylinder.? That's what VW calls the unit.? The parts alone are over $150 + tax.? I am not having a? good month.? ?? ?Last week, I found out I have a nail in my sidewall and thanks to Shawn at Volco, they plugged it, temporarily but the tire is over $150 + tax and is back-ordered <sigh>.

[derrick]

Well, you'll probably want to cover it if it rains.

I wonder if you can take a doorhandle assembly from the rear and place it on the front so there is no keyhole at all.

Sorry to hear about your bad luck recenty.

[Miso]

Thanks.? I guess it's just me and my karma.?

I was wondering the same thing about the handle.? But the parts people don't think that its possible.? I am looking around on the US sites to see if I can find anything. Filling the cylinder hole is the problem.? The media says it's the same people breaking into cars and I think this one was too "high" to see the led indicator on the steering wheel.? I called Wolfe Mazda in Burnaby and the guy says that he's had lots of orders for door handles and lock cylinders lately, especially for the 3.? So, everyone be careful! [/b]

[derrick]

BTW where around do you live? Just so we know to be on the lookout.

[Briefescape]

Do you mind telling us what it was that you left in the car to cause the thieve(s) to try to break in because if nothing is left in sight they don`t usually randomlly break in they just move on to next car unless did were trying to steal the car

[Miso]

I don't mind telling you what is in the car....NOTHING except my club and a Kleenex box.  The service and parts department said to me today that they have had a LOT of customers coming in replacing their door handle and locks in the last few weeks.  In MOST cases, absolutely NOTHING was stolen they said.  It sounds like they are practising their "trade".   They did the same to the other cars last year.  No rhyme or reason why they broke in when they took NOTHING. The owners are just out of pocket for the repair. 

[vicvic]

Thx for the heads up Miso.. good that I always park underground or in garage..

[derrick]

But one of these days you're gonna be leaving your ride outside for that little while too long. And when that moment comes, I... I mean they will get you.

[Miso]

Thx for the heads up Miso.. good that I always park underground or in garage..

Actually, believe it or not.? Inside the underground parking is one of the worst places to park your car because the thieves have more time to ransack your car as they can just "work" on your car where there is nobody around.? In our [secured] underground parking with security cameras et al, an SUV was taken even though the SUV had an alarm.? Nobody "noticed" a thing.? At least outside, if you have an alarm, people "may" look if you have an alarm, but in an underground parking they will likely just ignore it.? I say, get even a basic alarm as it will help, but as you can see, in my case, it didnt help much when these bastards are high on crystal meth.

[need4speed]

yeah that sucks..sorry to here Miso. All you can do is keep your car empty of everything and maybe just maybe they wont try. I door plug like the one you mentioned is an excellent idea. Where abouts do you live...approx??

[Miso]

Thanks, but I doubt they wanted the kleenex box.?

I think the bastards were just honing their skills or have a personal grudge against Mazda as lots of Mazda's got hit lately and in almost all cases, nothing was taken (nada, zip, nula).  I was hoping to prevent this from happening again by installing a door cylinder plug but it doesnt look like the Japanese cars have this, unlike the German cars.

I live near the Vancouver/Burnaby border in a hi-rise building.

[sipshu]

does ur (miso) car come with factory alarm
does anyone put the wheel locks on their 3's
my last car was stolen at richmond centre parking lot, that's the reason why i got my 3's, and i don't want it happen again to me,
 will wheel locks help

[need4speed]

Yep the wheel locks do help. Besides the alarm that we have a good idea is the club. Visible deterents are a great idea to help prevent theft.

[Inno]

yeah apartment buildings, esp around that metro area .....is a hot spot.......remmeber for the last few yrs there were so many incidents....its a location problem...

[Briefescape]

I have four locks and one keyed per wheel. Thieves would find it easier to go get a job and earn the money to buy the wheels then trying to work at getting the wheels off my car.

[Miso]

does ur (miso) car come with factory alarm
does anyone put the wheel locks on their 3's
my last car was stolen at richmond centre parking lot, that's the reason why i got my 3's, and i don't want it happen again to me,
 will wheel locks help

No, I have an aftermarket alarm. In most cases, if you use a club as I do, they won't take your car unless it's special or modified.  My mags and tires are all stock so I dont think they will  take them.  Besides, the alarm will sound and people will notice if they try to remove the wheels as I park outside.

[Inno]

yeah best advice is to leave it as stockish looking as possible...