Trac Stolen?

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Joe Rampino

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First thing this morning I looked out front as usual to admire my Sport Trac in the morning sunrise. To my shock, no Trac. A sick feeling overcame me as I was convinced my baby was gone. Distress turned to relief as I realized that I had parked in the side yard last night because we were expecting a construction delivery that morning. This whole silly incident got me to wondering as to the effectiveness of our stock theft deterrent systems. My question is have any members had their Tracs stolen? I don't recall anyone on this site ever reporting a theft. This information is contrary to my insurance company, who lists the ST as a high theft vehicle.
 
Kinda hard to steal what you can't start. Most Fords these days have transponder chips in the keys and will not start without the correct transponders.
 
There was a member years ago that had his Trac stolen. It was a unique trac with a special paint job. If I recall correctly, they believe it was stolen by someone who got his key imprint and info from a detailing shop where he took it to be cleaned. They later found it it all beaten up and slashed. I think his name was ST'errific? Do any of the oldie-but-goodies here remember the details better?



My memory sucks, so forgive me if I got any of the names or details wrong.



 
That's pretty much what happened. His garage door opener turned up missing, then his truck did. They found it later beat to hell. From what I understand it's since been fixed and now his son's driving it.
 
If I recall correctly, they believe it was stolen by someone who got his key imprint and info from a detailing shop where he took it to be cleaned



Actually, he kept a spare key in the center console. They took the console key, door opener, and registration for the vehicle. They scoped the house out, waited for them to leave, opened up the door, started it up, backed it out, shut the door, and drove away.





Tom
 
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Another members wife left her purse in the trac,at the ball park. They broke in and drove away.



Im sure it is a stomach turning feeling..:(
 
have no sympathy for people that leave keys in cars, Is just plain stupid as the pats system is pretty bullit proof.

I locked my keys in the trac a few yrs ago, 50 bux and 20 seconds later, locksmith had my door open and i was on my way.

Buddy over in Modesto parked his 06 saleen in his driveway, locked it, next morning it was gone, than later found it in a field a week later, stripped, filled with gas and burned to a crisp.

He had a key hidden under the seat, people that steal expensive cars for a living, are not stupid.
 
Was the keypad on the drivers door an option? I just assumed every trac came with one.
 
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Technically it wass an option, but not really. The bare base Trac's did not have the keypad, but if you got any options at all, you had a keypad.





Tom
 
I was questioning more towards your post Bill. Didn't understand how you locked your keys in the car with the keypad on the side. I'm going to guess yours did not come with that option or it wasn't in working order.
 
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The keypad also locks the system if you enter the code wrong i think 5 times.... It locks it for 15-30 min..



Todd Z
 
Knowing an owner of a tow truck or some monetary persuasion is all it takes to "borrow" it.

Has anyone given notice to a Mercedes S65 AMG with it's alarm wailing, being towed by a "marked" tow truck?

If they want it bad enough, they will find a way to get it.
 
Is it possible to steal, yes but it takes time and skill. A device can duplicate a key but it does take 2-4 minutes. Family and friends have had newer model Fords stolen with the PATS system. My cousins F150 was found in a stolen car theft ring in New Jersey when is was stolen out of Detroit, Mi. Does it prevent joy riders, yes. But the pros will get it.
 
u guys just helped push me to get a security system installed sooner... blah... already got the camera above the garage to start
 
Bill Barber said:
I have no sympathy for people that leave keys in cars, Is just plain stupid as the pats system is pretty bullit proof.



Though I agree that it's not a great idea, I still have sympathy for people that leave their keys in their ST, or other properly equipped Ford vehicle.



I say that because I find Ford to be somewhat culpable in this practice. Why else install a door lock keypad at the factory if not expecting that people will, likely, keep their keys in their vehicle from time to time?



I'll admit, that was one of the features I liked about my ST...I could, and did keep the bulky key chain in the console on certain occasions, knowing I could lock up and gain entry via the keypad later.



It's not a smart practice, granted, if for no other reason than a dead battery makes for an interesting time.



But still, doesn't Ford deserve some of the blame? (probably in the minority on that thought).



TJR
 
But still, doesn't Ford deserve some of the blame? (probably in the minority on that thought).



Yes.



We should also hold blame the internet providers for a guy getting arrested for downloading illegal (insert what you want here) porn. If it were not for the internet, then they could not download it.



Lets hold electric companys to blame for people getting electrocuted since they provided the electric.



Brilliant! Ladies and Gentleman, this is what is wrong with the court system in America.





Tom
 
Wait, what? Ford is accountable for cars being stolen by keys left inside the vehicle because their keypad encourages people to leave their keys in there? :huh:



I'm not following that.



Ford puts a keypad on the door to accommodate people accidentally leaving their keys in the car, and for the convenience of not needing to fish a key out of your pocket and turn it in the lock in order to gain entry (in the event that you don't have or don't wish to use the key fob).



They don't put the keypad there to facilitate laziness in people, and they should not be held accountable for the results of the lazy who exploited the keypad.



But still, doesn't Ford deserve some of the blame? (probably in the minority on that thought).



The minority of one....and all the ambulance-chasing lawyers who want a piece of Ford.



Also, TJR, you said:

I still have sympathy for people that leave their keys in their ST, or other properly equipped Ford vehicle.

So what happens if someone leaves their key in another vehicle make and that vehicle is stolen? Is that manufacturer not responsible? ;)



(BTW, all Ford vehicles are "properly equipped", thank you very much. Those asian imports on the other hand.... :rolleyes:)

 
Guys, by "properly equipped", I meant other Ford vehicles with keypad.



I didn't say Ford is liable for any damages.



I'll ask the question again, a different way...



What is the main purpose of the keypad if not to get into your vehicle sans the keys and transponder in your hand? And if that is the main purpose, then isn't it reasonable to assume that many would expect to use the keypad so that they can lock their keys in the vehicle?



Again, I'm not saying its a great idea, I'm just saying isn't it possible that many people might think that locking your keys in the car is a legitimate use and reason for having a keypad?



TJR
 
What is the main purpose of the keypad if not to get into your vehicle sans the keys and transponder in your hand?



I was a dummy and locked my keys in the car. I am at work with my keys in my desk. I need to run out to my car. I don't need to grab my keys first. I am out mowing the grass and need to open the garage door opener. I don't need to run into the house to open it or grab my keys.



I can give you more examples.



I love the keypad. I use it all the time.



One great example, coming home form a vaction at the airport, my keys are in the bottom of my computer bag. I can unlock the doors without searching for my keys first. Once the vehicle is loaded up, I can dig my keys out of the bag and fire it up.





Tom
 
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