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How to prevent LEDs stolen?

10K views 47 replies 29 participants last post by  RubiconSS 
#1 ·
A couple weeks ago I had my rigid industries hyper spot D2s mounted on the A-pillar stolen off my jeep over night.

The a**holes cut the wires and removed the cubes from the mounts.

Thank god I didn't have a $2000 50" on the roof.

I just ordered a new set along with the rigid industries lock nut kit but the lock nuts only lock the light to the mount, where if you have a set of Allen keys you can still remove the mount from the jeep

Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep people from stealing your led pods.
 
#3 ·
Sorry to hear people been screwing around and stealing things. Hate thiefs, had some break into my mustang couple years ago and left me with some bad ocd of making sure my doors are locked.
One trick you could do to keep them from stealing the whole mount is to fill one of the Allen key bolts with solder. May be tricky to fill but then at least when you need to remove them you just have to heat the bolt back up
 
#5 ·
this is probably the one thing I don't want to do. And i don't know how to weld :p

The solder is a good idea
 
#7 ·
Remote motion sensor with an alarm on your bedside table, and the sound of a racking shotgun as the front door flings wide open, is a good deterrent.

Seriously though, motion sensors on alarms and lights can really help. If there's a bunch of noise and a light goes on right in their face when they walk up, they are usually freaked out enough that they just leave and go where they are less likely to get caught.
 
#9 ·
That's really funny, that's almost my exact setup. I have motion alarms on the Jeep that set a pager off that sits on my table next to my bed at night. And a very bright alarm light inside the Jeep.
 
#8 ·
It's all about making the environment inaccessible or as Risky (to the Thief) as possible.
Otherwise, they will just steal them again.

Inside better than outside.
Lighted area better than Dark.
Barking Dog.
Motion/Proximity Alarm.

It sucks but - If they want them......
 
#12 ·
My house sits in the middle of 40 acres of woods. Cant see the house from the road.... At the end of my drive there is a sign that says "ON Target Firearm Training".
I'm an AR State CLCH Instructor, NRA Instructor & NRA Chief Range Officer... That sign must be a good deterrent... I rarly get visitors! LOL
:atomic:
 
#13 ·
I have a range on my property as well and it is visible from the road.

I love how "Guns" affect peoples behavior :)

Several years ago, a Local builder procured some Land on my road and "used" to bring prospective clients (from NJ and NY) by to looky-Loo and I guess talk about building.
I ALWAYS felt the "need" to go out back and empty a few 30-50 rd mags. - I don't know why but, seems like the visits stopped.
I like my Privacy. :)
 
#16 ·
Try Tannerite, Explosions that can be herd for a mile are wonderful privacy devices!
 
#14 ·
The a**holes cut the wires and removed the cubes from the mounts.
:deadhorse:

I just ordered a new set along with the rigid industries lock nut kit but the lock nuts only lock the light to the mount, where if you have a set of Allen keys you can still remove the mount from the jeep

Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep people from stealing your led pods.
They make thief resistant screws. I use such for my custom license plates. Yea, a thief could be carrying around one of those custom Allen keys, but hopefully such reduces the chances.
 
#20 ·
would anyone happen to know what size screw is in the bracket for the JK A-pillar. where many people mount LED pods?
 
#22 ·
Sadly thieves will be thieves. Therefore, if they want something bad enough, they'll get it. I always get concerned with those security screws and the like that once the thief realizes they can't get what they want easily, they'll resort to vandalism, which can end up being worse.

Until recently, the Jeep was garaged, but when the boss got a new car, I got kicked out. At least it's behind a gate and hard to see now, but my security has always been to just pull off all that someone would want to take. I know it's a total PITA, but when I've had to leave mine at the airport, I take EVERYTHING out/off of it. The winch is all that stays, and that would be a huge PITA for a thief to get to. I know this isn't realistic for those going to school and such, but I guess plan modifications accordingly?

Otherwise at the house, 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally keep the rif raf away as they can be a bit scary if provoked incorrectly.
 
#23 ·
Sadly thieves will be thieves. Therefore, if they want something bad enough, they'll get it. I always get concerned with those security screws and the like that once the thief realizes they can't get what they want easily, they'll resort to vandalism, which can end up being worse. Until recently, the Jeep was garaged, but when the boss got a new car, I got kicked out. At least it's behind a gate and hard to see now, but my security has always been to just pull off all that someone would want to take. I know it's a total PITA, but when I've had to leave mine at the airport, I take EVERYTHING out/off of it. The winch is all that stays, and that would be a huge PITA for a thief to get to. I know this isn't realistic for those going to school and such, but I guess plan modifications accordingly? Otherwise at the house, 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally keep the rif raf away as they can be a bit scary if provoked incorrectly.
This is what I will most likely do... I probably won't put the lights back on until after this semester when I'm back at home and my jeep can be garaged unfortunately.

Which sucks I like having lots of light down the road!
 
#25 ·
Tamper proof screws on anything is BS - when they can't get what they want they'll likely just destroy it to prove a point. If I cannot have it.... neither will you.

#1 - Get away from the problem - move.

#2 Increase lighting and/or security. Or as RubiconSS points out, a visible shooting range in your yard is a good deterrent. :)

Dogs work too, maybe a motion activate sprinkler that uses $20 of parts from the Home Depot.

The imagination is the limit.
 
#26 ·
As much as I like the name brand here, what about just buying a set of cheap knock off lights for the time being? I normally hate knock off products, they ever seem to perform the same, or last as long, etc, but you are stuck with a bad parking situation.

Buy some knock off light pods, use a bit of locktite on the bolts, red on your Jeep bolts if you plan to always have the mount there, and red or blue on the light bolts.

Engrave a number into the bottom of each pod with a sharp object and then paint over it with clear nail polish. Take a photo for your records. If they are stolen you can ID them easier.

This started happening around the college here with RI lights and brand name stuff. The more people switched to knockoffs, the less it was bothered.

Check CL and Facebook Jeep/truck parts for sale to see if they show up too.
 
#29 ·
for the front JW Speaker headlights, Mopar hood lock. For the fogs, well, tamper proof screws (would have to take bumper off), for the bad LEDs, tamper proof screws.

Oh, and a zero deductible comprehensive policy with Geico. If someone "really" wants them, I'll get them replaced with newer ones.

I also garage my Jeep and the driveway has a 5ft fence and kryptonite lock, with motion activated lights. The only place someone would have access would be if I left it at the airport on a business trip.

Sadly, the Jeep community has its fair share of deadbeats who would rather steal an upgrade than work for it.
 
#31 ·
True. If this is happening at your home and you're not participating in similar shady activities, you're too good for the neighborhood. Life's too short for this BS.
 
#33 ·
Had my Jeep rummage through one night recently. Bummed me out been in denial that "it will never happen here". Wrong. Police said there been hundreds and hundreds through out entire neighborhood and if doors were locked nothing was took no damage. Only ones left unlocked.

I agree 100% on security screws. They make tons. If someone is that dedicated to have every custom tool they will get them and most likely damage if you go more extreme like solder or tac welding.
 
#37 ·
Yea that money I would've spent on a beater went towards a lift and tires :p
 
#38 ·
One trick, that is less expensive than specialty bolts, is to get a small ball bearing (a bicycle shop is a good source) that just fits inside the allen key socket and melt some candle wax to hold it in place. It is almost impossible to get out, but if you need to remove it a little heat and a magnet is all you need.
 
#44 ·
I've been considering a shear (or breakaway) nut for the base and tamper resistant bolts. Not sure what the hex bolt size is for the D2s, but I guess I could check by pulling one out (M6?).

Also considered filling the hex screw head. Would some sort of quick hardening resin or even something like liquid nails work?

The ball bearing idea sound interesting.
 
#45 ·
for my LEDs I tacked the nuts on the bolts which hold them on. But then again mine aren't on the A-pillars. I am sure that a thief could take his time with a hacksaw and get away with mine, but I doubt they would put forth the effort.

The hacksaw method is how I plan to remove them if ever the need arises.
 
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