Car Seat Theft Security - Topless

[ajkeence99]

I searched around but could not find anything specific to this question. I could find people discussing whether or not roof/doors should be off with kids but not about protecting a car seat from theft. How does one keep their car seats from being stolen when the roof is off? I'd considered a chain through the pocket where the belt runs through the back and locking it with a padlock. Sure, a criminal intent on stealing it could still cut a lock or a chain but it at least reduces the chances. Are there are suggestions or official options for this? I don't have to worry about it at work and it's garaged at night but it just takes one knucklehead to come by and I'm out a $300 car seat. Thanks!

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[Dyolfknip74]

Leave the kid in it.


Seriously though, I can't say I have ever heard of a kids car seat getting stolen from a wide open jeep or anybother vehicle.

 

[ajkeence99]

Leave the kid in it.


Seriously though, I can't say I have ever heard of a kids car seat getting stolen from a wide open jeep or anybother vehicle.

I like to think it wouldn't happen and I can't say I'm sitting here expecting it to happen. I can take just about everything else out and not really worry but a car seat is, for obvious reasons, required to be left in and isn't cheap. Perhaps I'm just looking for reinforcement that it probably won't be an issue.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

I like to think it wouldn't happen and I can't say I'm sitting here expecting it to happen. I can take just about everything else out and not really worry but a car seat is, for obvious reasons, required to be left in and isn't cheap. Perhaps I'm just looking for reinforcement that it probably won't be an issue.

Honestly, pieces of shit thieves are looking for an easy theft. Use a couple zip ties to secure it to seat mount lugs. I wouldn't want to compromise the seat safety securing it from these losers.

 

[JSFoster75]

Honestly, pieces of shit thieves are looking for an easy theft. Use a couple zip ties to secure it to seat mount lugs. I wouldn't want to compromise the seat safety securing it from these losers.

What about some type of locking seat belt connector? Is there such a thing?

 

[ajkeence99]

Honestly, pieces of shit thieves are looking for an easy theft. Use a couple zip ties to secure it to seat mount lugs. I wouldn't want to compromise the seat safety securing it from these losers.

I'd considered that or the chain/bike lock cable idea. Maybe I'll ask the local PD/FD if there are any safety concerns with doing something like that. Then at the very least a criminal would have to work a little bit for it and it couldn't just be quickly snatched. Thanks!

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

Well, to be accurate here, closed and locked Jeeps still get broken into and stuff gets stolen.

Theives tend to know we keep tools and other goodies in our Jeeps.

But I haven't heard of them taking car seats yet. Easy enough to run a cable or chain through it to slow down or deter scumbags aka theives from stealing it.

 

[ajkeence99]

Well, to be accurate here, closed and locked Jeeps still get broken into and stuff gets stolen.

Theives tend to know we keep tools and other goodies in our Jeeps.

But I haven't heard of them taking car seats yet. Easy enough to run a cable or chain through it to slow down or deter scumbags aka theives from stealing it.

I think this is where my mind is at. A determined thief won't be deterred. I'm looking to stop the more opportunistic thieves who try to be a bit more inconspicuous about their actions. The person who would break in would be the ones who would cut the lock. I'm targeting those who go through subdivisions checking for unlocked doors. I think the cable lock seems like the easiest option for a cheap/simple layer of protection from the petty thieves.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

What about some type of locking seat belt connector? Is there such a thing?

I feel like that would be a major safety issue. Lol, I could be wrong I guess.

 

[Anonymous]

Leave a few of these bad boys in the seat…depending on the contents problem solved.

 

[somedude922]

I'd considered that or the chain/bike lock cable idea. Maybe I'll ask the local PD/FD if there are any safety concerns with doing something like that. Then at the very least a criminal would have to work a little bit for it and it couldn't just be quickly snatched. Thanks!

Paramedic here. DO NOT chain it in. We frequently transport kids IN THEIR CAR SEATS after an accident as it provides a great deal of immobilization already. A chain would add to the time to get the kid out, especially if we cant see the chain. It takes a good deal of work just to cut the belts and latching belts anyway. I think you are looking for a solution where a problem doesn't really exist.

 

[JABCAT]

A lot depends on the area in which you live/work/shop, etc. In all our years of owning Jeeps and having the doors & tops off, I never had one of my kids' car seats taken. You also have to be very cautious of securing the seat in a way that would inhibit you, or emergency personnel removing the seat & child in the event of an accident.

 

[ajkeence99]

Paramedic here. DO NOT chain it in. We frequently transport kids IN THEIR CAR SEATS after an accident as it provides a great deal of immobilization already. A chain would add to the time to get the kid out, especially if we cant see the chain. It takes a good deal of work just to cut the belts and latching belts anyway. I think you are looking for a solution where a problem doesn't really exist.

Well, damn. My thought was that cutting a small-ish cable would be pretty simple but I guess if you don't even know it's there then that makes sense.

 

[AMT]

I'd considered that or the chain/bike lock cable idea. Maybe I'll ask the local PD/FD if there are any safety concerns with doing something like that. Then at the very least a criminal would have to work a little bit for it and it couldn't just be quickly snatched. Thanks!

Interesting topic... I haven't taken the doors off yet but have wondered about it like you. Have three Diono seats across the backseat; that's about a grand if they disappear (lot's of Jeep parts could be had!). Extra securement could be good, however I would be weary of doing so.
My in-laws love to pester me about how anal I am about the three boys and their seats. "Back in my day we had ....... and I'm FINE!" Yea, but you also ate lead paint and played with asbestos
tiles... ?‍ Advancements in technology are a good thing...
But, I did read every car seat manual cover to cover and do other research. One thing I remember is they all state is to NEVER use both the built-in seat latches and seatbelt securement at the same time: one or the other. Something to do with them not ever being at the same tension and when an accident occurs it can create a "double jerk / jolt" to the kid(my term, not theirs as I forget it). I would figure whatever system catches first would be all...two is one; one is none... but, it's in there for a reason along with all the studies and testing done so I'm not going to question it.

I could see this being a similar and larger problem with any extra securement of the seat to the vehicle that isn't OEM. Not a bad idea to check with local FD/PD; I took mine up there to have them check it when my first son was born. But, they aren't the manufacturer and may not know all the "what if's" for something like this. Best thing to do would be contact the manuf. and I will guarantee there response will be an emphatic "NO".

Sorry for the long response, lol.

 

[ajkeence99]

Interesting topic... I haven't taken the doors off yet but have wondered about it like you. Have three Diono seats across the backseat; that's about a grand if they disappear (lot's of Jeep parts could be had!). Extra securement could be good, however I would be weary of doing so.
My in-laws love to pester me about how anal I am about the three boys and their seats. "Back in my day we had ....... and I'm FINE!" Yea, but you also ate lead paint and played with asbestos
tiles... ?‍ Advancements in technology are a good thing...
But, I did read every car seat manual cover to cover and do other research. One thing I remember is they all state is to NEVER use both the built-in seat latches and seatbelt securement at the same time: one or the other. Something to do with them not ever being at the same tension and when an accident occurs it can create a "double jerk / jolt" to the kid(my term, not theirs as I forget it). I would figure whatever system catches first would be all...two is one; one is none... but, it's in there for a reason along with all the studies and testing done so I'm not going to question it.

I could see this being a similar and larger problem with and extra securement of the seat to the vehicle that isn't OEM. Not a bad idea to check with local FD/PD; I took mine up there to have them check it when my first son was born. But, they aren't the manufacturer and may not know all the "what if's" for something like this. Best thing to do would be contact the manuf. and I will guarantee there response will be an emphatic "NO".

Sorry for the long response, lol.

My wife, in her infinite wisdom, asked why I wouldn't just unlock it while she was in the seat. I gave a look and realized I was thinking of only permanent solutions. I guess if you were to use a cable lock with the numbered lock with the lock right by the door. Keep it unlocked except for when leaving it somewhere when the doors and/or tops were off. I don't know why I didn't even think of this.

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