Spare wheel theft, is it an issue ?

[Mike_S]

Chaps

Prompted by a thread on rrsport.co.uk, I just wondered whether theft of spare wheels from under the back is an issue in Oz ?

Wasn't something I ever considered, but now that I've removed my LPG tank I've got the spare wheel back underneath, if theft of the spare is common then I'll get the protector bought & fitted before it leaves.

Cheers
Mike

[Redback]

I wouldn't worry about your spare, it's a lot easier to take a wheel off than go to the trouble of knocking off the spare.

Baz.

[~Rich~]

I'd have to say no it's not an issue here in Aus for the majority.
But having said that I guess if I lived in a high crime area it might be.
Where will you be living?
Will the car be in a garage overnight?

[Mike_S]

We're SE of Melbourne, place called Parkdale which I must admit doesn't strike me as being a high crime area. Doubt it'll be garaged though, it'll be on the drive. I'm not so concerned about when the car's at home, more when we're out and about.

It just occurred to me to ask that's all, I'm sure if it was an issue then people would've suffered (and complained on here) about it. As the protector is only £65 I'd considered getting hold of one if it's a problem.

As for stealing them, it's a doddle if you know how. Unbolting a wheel takes a few minutes, nicking the spare is literally seconds. I'm probably going to regret saying that now !

This is the protector I'm on about. I've seen them on a few D3's, the chap makes a very simple but effective item.

RRSPORT.CO.UK • View topic - Wheel protectors (http://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/post322050.html#322050)

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10234/Wheel%20Protector%20001.jpg

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/10234/normal_Photo0001.jpg

[~Rich~]

Hi Mike,
Mexicans will be able to fill you in on risk value. :wasntme:
I'm from North of the border so I'm no help in this area.

Does that protector make it difficult to get the spare out and in?

[Xtreme]

Somewhere between 10 and 20 spare wheels/tyres went missing from members vehicles one night at an LROC (Sydney Bch) meeting at Fivedock - quite a few years ago now and thankfully a once only event - touch wood.

Possibly an organised gang with an 'order' for some Land Rover wheels.

[Mike_S]

No, it's no harder to get the wheel in & out. The end plate / spring of the cable goes through the wheel as normal, then into the holder on the protector. The protector plate is then drawn into the wheel as you wind the wheel back into place and it fills the diameter of the spare so prevents access to the cable and stops the scrotes from cutting it.

If theft of them isn't a problem then I'll not bother with one... /famous last words

Edit: Ahhh, thread's been moved. This is related to the D3, D4 & RRS.

[Homestar]

If you park it in the driveway, can you back it in up against a wall, fence, garage door, etc? Mine is on a wheel carrier out back, with no lock on it, but it's backed up against the back yard gates, so no one can nick it from there.

[adzee]

I'm parked out front with no "protection". I wouldn't worry. In Aus we are pretty casual I guess but maybe that's my country up bringing where I trust too much. If it gets nicked its a good thing in a way, means I get to buy a new set. :)

[slug_burner]

Not generally a problem.

But petty theft can occur and places like large shopping centres and railway station carparks are the most likely places. Never had a wheel pinched but have had the towbar goose neck taken and tyredog TPMS sensors nocked off.

[Mike_S]

I'll have a think then, still got a couple of weeks before the car ends up in a container.

I suppose a 19" RRS wheel with a D3 sized tyre on it isn't exactly hot property in Oz. Doesn't exactly fit the needs of the Nissyota brigade does it...

[Sleepy]

I'm in the next suburb and have never worried about it. I had some fancy valve caps pinched once.....:mad:

.....I'm still looking for some kid with Land Rover valve caps on his pushbike!:D

There is that many soccer mums around here with Pajeros, I doubt anyone would even notice your Land Rover. If you are paricularly nervous some locking wheelnuts will slow them down.

Personally, I would save your money......or put it towards your next LPG system;)