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Thanks for the info, Chris. Unfortunately you can still activate/deactivate the high beams with the steering column cover off in my car. Everyone feel free to post any other tips to deter car theft.

Anyone consider rigging some pepper spray to go off inside your car if the alarm goes off? This would have to be trigger by the alarm AND something else that would only happen in the event of a theft, like the battery being disconnected, that way you wouldn't gas your car on every loud exhaust that passes by. It's certainly do-able, but maybe I'm just a little crazy myself. I certainly would get a giggle if I woke up one morning and my car was broken into but still completely intact and smelling like pepper. Maybe you'd never get the smell out, I don't know. BTW, I'm aware that lethally booby-trapping your property is illegal, but pepper spray should get them running in no time with no legal worries that I know of.

Unfortunately the hood release cable is accessible from the outside if you know where to look. They disabled the alarm then got inside with a shimmy on the driver's door. I don't know for sure, but I think the hood has an alarm switch on it. It probably set off the alarm, but only for a second.

I will be rerouting the hood release cable so you can't get to it easily, as well as adding a second siren with back-up battery (and reroute plus hide my current siren). The seocnd siren will be mounted inside the car. It should be so loud in there any theif will go crazy trying to drive off with it.

Also, the ignition switch wasn't as bad as I thought. I was able to start it up with the key again. I realized more stuff that they stole including a Sports Illustrated from last year when the Spurs won the championships, my sun shade, a bag of trash, car freshener, and maintenance records I kept. For all the useless stuff they took, they didn't take my spare change, which was probably worth more than all that trash put together.

Hey, maybe I can convince my wife to get one of those pager alarm systems that I've been wanting?

I got home from school late last night and noticed my car was missing this morning. I couldn't believe it at first - you just don't expect that kind of thing. I immediately called police and filed a report. Unfortunately no theft coverage of any kind on my insurance. I had to give a presentation today about a design project I have been working on and a lot of my stuff was left in my car, including my USB jump drive and backpack. I spent the rest of the day sitting around watching TV and sleeping, trying not to think about it too much.

So, long story short, I get a call from SAPD around 6:30pm saying that they found my car. I was even more surprised to find out it was mostly intact. This is somewhat of a performance car and is a prime target for chop shops. I wasn't even expecting to have it found, much less with the swapped engine and everything still there. Only major things missing are the two seats (it's a two seater) and the muffler (aftermarket). The trunk lock has been bent out of shape and it doesn't look like they ever got it open. Car had an alarm but the hood was popped and the siren wire was cut. Upgrades to the security system will be coming shortly. Why someone would risk their life or a grand theft auto conviction for a muffler and two worn out seats is beyond me.

So what does this have to do with LEO contacts? Since my car was dumped in an alley I decided I should carry (actually I carry everywhere I legally can except school, regardless). I knew I would have to present ID to verify I was the owner when I got to the scene, so I was hoping everything would go smooth. I gave the cop my driver's license and CHL when asked for ID. He looked at the CHL for a second then handed it back no questions asked. He was very helpful and courteous and I'm so thankful for his help getting my car back. I'm really glad I had my CHL today. Sitting in an alley at night alone with my wife (I told the cop he could leave after the report was done) really made my appreciate being able to carry. I had the car towed home but I think it should still be running fine. The ignition switch was destroyed so I can't start it myself.

As for the sub-human low-life thieves, the police have some promising leads on who did it and should start investigating it more tomorrow. I'd love to be able to seek retribution if they are found and convicted.