PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 15, 2008 -
If you own a golf cart chances are you don't have theft insurance. So how do you protect yourself from thieves? A standard key ignition for a golf cart can be easily compromised with a screw driver. Once the lock is broken and they able to turn the ignition then your cart is gone. I have spoken to people who thought they couldn't find where they parked, later they found out the cart was stolen. Because these little machines are sold without a title and only a bill of sale a few modifications and new bill of sale two counties over and it's gone forever. Chances are very slim you will see your cart get recovered. They are considered property and not an automobile so they don't go on any National Hot Sheet like a vehicle. Most people don't even know they're VIN# and they don't have a tag or registration to prove ownership. It's really a dilemma that is not going to get better unless people make an effort to protect their golf carts. In an area like The Villages you tend to take for granted things like this because the people in the area are so nice and crime seems not to be a factor. This is a growing concern for the Lady Lake Police Department and The Villages Sherriff Department. They can't catch these thieves because people just make it too easy for them to steal. Most people I find leave the keys in the carts. Just look around and see how many people are vulnerable to this.
On way you can protect yourself is to buy starter stop systems. These Keyless Remote Starters make it easy for you but impossible for the thief. Once the cart is switched off , the power to the ignition switch is disabled making the key ignition useless. If the thief breaks the ignition and turns it, the cart won’t start. No Power, unless you have the remote start button. They are cheap and effective and easy to install. You can get these devices from one dealer in The Villages http://www.villagesgolfcartman.com . These units can be purchased on line or installed by them at they're location.
If your golf cart is important to you then think twice about leaving it parked without some protection. I can't stress the number of people who have had their cart stolen in the last year. And the number is going up; more carts and more thieves.
