Curious about cart theft prevention devices

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Old 04-21-2025, 10:35 AM
GreggC69 GreggC69 is offline
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Default Curious about cart theft prevention devices

Have read various threads in the past that mention getting air tags etc. for tracking a cart if stolen. Some on those threads have comments that the air tag may be good for tracking a stolen cart but the better idea would be to install something to prevent the theft. Curious on suggestions for such devices. What are the best items to consider? Thanks.
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Old 04-21-2025, 11:13 AM
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Unique keyed ignition switch and well hidden kill switch.
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Old 04-21-2025, 11:35 AM
ElDiabloJoe ElDiabloJoe is offline
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A few months ago, a guy was advertising his golf cart alarms pretty heavily. Pretty sure he was a New Yorker, he called the business something like "Gold Shield Cart Alarms."
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Old 04-21-2025, 12:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreggC69 View Post
Have read various threads in the past that mention getting air tags etc. for tracking a cart if stolen. Some on those threads have comments that the air tag may be good for tracking a stolen cart but the better idea would be to install something to prevent the theft. Curious on suggestions for such devices. What are the best items to consider? Thanks.
We have AirTag on our cat’s collar. At almost 17 she is blind, sometimes can’t find her way in the house. When I sent alert it beeps loudly so we can find her.
In a cart you can track, but never sent lost alert, because whoever took it will hear the tag and destroy
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Old 04-21-2025, 01:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreggC69 View Post
Have read various threads in the past that mention getting air tags etc. for tracking a cart if stolen. Some on those threads have comments that the air tag may be good for tracking a stolen cart but the better idea would be to install something to prevent the theft. Curious on suggestions for such devices. What are Ithe best items to consider? Thanks.
I have a front wheel lock - similar to a traffic boot. Only takes seconds to hook in and cart can’t be moved.
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Old 04-21-2025, 01:50 PM
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Best way to insure your cart never gets stolen is to buy one of those piece of crap Chinese made electric carts. Nobody in their right mind would risk getting caught stealing one of those things. The only problem with that strategy is that you own the cart.
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Old 04-21-2025, 01:55 PM
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I have installed universal automotive ignition switches in a few carts, these are about $20-$25 at the auto parts stores, and typically come with 2 or 4 unique keys, fairly simple to replace the factory key with the unique key. This will at least slow the thief. The kill switch is also a very good idea, but as noted, this needs to be hidden. It is also possible to install an old school car alarm (12 volt) which can be setup to sound the horn and flash the lights to scare off the thief. Once again, this needs to be hidden.
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Old 04-21-2025, 05:53 PM
OrangeBlossomBaby OrangeBlossomBaby is offline
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The problem with these unique key and car alarm ideas, is that it assumes the thief is attempting to drive the car. He doesn't need to do that. He just needs a flatbed, a ramp, and a second person to help him roll it up the ramp. Once it's there he can drive off and install his own ignition switch with his own unique key, and it won't matter if the alarm goes off because it'll be safely in his garage where no one is around to hear it.

You don't need a key to put a golf cart into neutral. Once it is, it will roll easily wherever you need it to go.

A boot is the best option, with a steering wheel lock being second best, in theft PREVENTION.
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Old 04-21-2025, 07:18 PM
Decadeofdave Decadeofdave is offline
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I have a club, I use it at squares if it's parked in the rear parking lots after dark.
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Old 04-21-2025, 08:21 PM
bsloan1960 bsloan1960 is offline
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I use this- loud vibration alarm. Battery operated, installs in seconds. $20 on Amazon: Amazon.com
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreggC69 View Post
Have read various threads in the past that mention getting air tags etc. for tracking a cart if stolen. Some on those threads have comments that the air tag may be good for tracking a stolen cart but the better idea would be to install something to prevent the theft. Curious on suggestions for such devices. What are the best items to consider? Thanks.
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Old Yesterday, 05:04 AM
RoseyRed RoseyRed is offline
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Default stats on stolen carts

Does anyone have the actual numbers of how many golf carts are stolen on a yearly basis? Maybe I am naive, but we feel safe and secure inside the bubble.
Outside the bubble is another story.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GreggC69 View Post
Have read various threads in the past that mention getting air tags etc. for tracking a cart if stolen. Some on those threads have comments that the air tag may be good for tracking a stolen cart but the better idea would be to install something to prevent the theft. Curious on suggestions for such devices. What are the best items to consider? Thanks.
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Old Yesterday, 05:06 AM
Minoletti Minoletti is offline
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Default cheap way to do

just get a piece of lighter gauge chain, run it through the steering wheel and back around the roof rear support brace, then lock it
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Old Yesterday, 05:11 AM
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Default GPS Tracker

I use this on my electric trike. The subscription has gone up a little, but still pretty cheap insurance.
Amazon.com
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Old Yesterday, 05:55 AM
Nanettek3 Nanettek3 is offline
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Default Anti theft device for golf cart

Our cart was stolen once, recovered, no damage. The hours of pure panic frustration was not fun. I looked into switching out the ignition, due to the wiring the company we bought from didn’t advise. They gave us the club, steering wheel lock used for automobiles and works well stop deter theft. Especially if you turn the wheels and lock it. Easy to apply, easy to remove, keep it in the back. The tire lock works well too but I didn’t want to get my hands dirty. lol is it 100% fool proof nothing is. Thieves are looking for a fast easy target, the goal is for them to think twice and move past it.
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Old Yesterday, 06:32 AM
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air tag alarm can be disabled. search internet for how to instructions
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