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Anybody actually heard of a winch theft?

5K views 13 replies 13 participants last post by  AZ01TJ 
#1 ·
Just getting ready to mount my Warn Zeon 10 S on my RockHard bumper and wonder how much effort to put into theft deterrence. That's a lot of money hanging off the front end just attached by bolts. I thought about using theft deterrent bolts/nuts but seems like if someone was determined, they would just unbolt the whole bumper with winch attached. Seems like a lot of work that would take significant time and effort. Not sure it would interest a quick and dirty tweeker thief.
Has anybody had a winch stolen or know of one? Is this a big deal that I need to put extra effort into? Not gonna let this keep me up at night but just would be interested to hear other opinions.
 
#2 ·
If you are really serious you could weld a tab over the nut after its tightened on. Then the only way to remove the winch would be to cut off the metal tab. No common street thief would deal with that. Of course they might get mad and just vandalize the Jeep at that point. Anything is possible.
 
#3 ·
Someone tried to take my winch off several years ago. I was parked on a trailhead, two of the nuts were backed off, then I would assume they found the one with a spot weld and the possible theft was adverted.
I seriously doubt if any creep will take the time to take off the entire bumper, heck if they can carry a full wrap steel bumper and winch, I might not want to catch them unarmed ;). I do have a weld spot on one of the nuts just in case.
 
#6 ·
Thought about the welding idea but that's not an option for me with an aluminum bumper. Probably go with the winch lock bolt and call it good. I was just curious about how prevalent this is.
 
#8 ·
Being a locksmith I too have had these thoughts but never seen or heard of this type thief. Seems the whole vehicle gets stolen most often.
 
#10 ·
I have heard of winch theft...in third world countries.

My cousin in Peru carries a hitch-mounted winch because it won't last 5 minutes mounted on the bumper.
 
#11 ·
If you don't have ready access to someone who can weld and you don't want to lay out $50 for the bolts designed just for protecting winches, you can also use one or more low-cost security bolts like those in this link:
Scotts Stabilizer Security Bolt Kit: CRFs Only - Your Source For Honda CRF Performance Parts, Products, Accessories and Information...

These aren't exactly what I used, but I found one and its tool at a fastener shop for a total cost of about $5, and it tests better than grade 8
 
#13 ·
The problem with this type of fastener is that everybody and their mothers sell the "security" bolt/screw bit set for like $10
I plan on welding two of the nuts/bolts.
My philosophy on car theft or car accessory theft is, you can only practice theft deterrent, if you make it difficult enough they move on to an easier target. However, if a thief sets his sights on your vehicle, house or anything else you own and wants it bad enough, he will take it...

Those winch locks seem like a good idea, as long as the nut is welded to the plate, otherwise it would be a waste of money.
 
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