Golf cart stolen

[jimbo2012]

I had a 2009 Ezgo electric Gold color gone from driveway this morning, in Chitty Chatty.
Police said it was odd taken from driveway
Ser# 5047723

:gc:

[villagetinker]

First of all, sorry for your loss. I am not familiar with Ezgo carts, but Yamaha carts have more or less common keys, last I heard was around 8. I changed out the factory key switch for a uniquely keyed universal automotive starter (ignition) switch. While this will not stop a determined thief, it will slow them down, and will stop the casual thief.
If you have photos of the cart, please post and of course call the police.

[Bogie Shooter]

I had a 2009 Ezgo electric Gold color gone from driveway this morning, in Chitty Chatty.
Police said it was odd taken from driveway
Ser# 5047723

:gc:

No trash pickup on Sunday so, that theory is eliminated.

(Sorry Jim had to do it )
Hope your cart is found.

[tophcfa]

I wouldn’t be surprised if this horrendous crime becomes common with the newer lithium powered carts because of the value of the batteries alone. Criminals look for a quick and untraceable aftermarket sale.

Here is hoping your cart is quickly recovered and is undamaged.

[Tvflguy]

Sorry. I invested in 4 Apple Air Tags. One each hidden in our golf bags and the cart. Last is used for luggage. Peace of mind just in case.

[justjim]

OP, sorry to hear. Stolen from your driveway is pretty “bold” for a golf cart theft. Thanks for posting as this is a “wake up” for all of us.

[boxcarwilly]

i use one of these:
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09364PDTW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

[boxcarwilly]

i use one of these:
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09364PDTW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)

[BlueStarAirlines]

First of all, sorry for your loss. I am not familiar with Ezgo carts, but Yamaha carts have more or less common keys, last I heard was around 8. I changed out the factory key switch for a uniquely keyed universal automotive starter (ignition) switch. While this will not stop a determined thief, it will slow them down, and will stop the casual thief.
If you have photos of the cart, please post and of course call the police.

Did you switch it out yourself or did you go somewhere to have it done? I just bought a new Yamaha (won't get until January) and was told the keys now are done in batches of 400. I definitely want to switch it out!

[Kenswing]

Did you switch it out yourself or did you go somewhere to have it done? I just bought a new Yamaha (won't get until January) and was told the keys now are done in batches of 400. I definitely want to switch it out!

Also be aware that the locking dash storage boxes can pretty much all be opened with the same key.

[villagetinker]

Did you switch it out yourself or did you go somewhere to have it done? I just bought a new Yamaha (won't get until January) and was told the keys now are done in batches of 400. I definitely want to switch it out!

I did it myself, depending on the wiring harness there are 2 or 4 wires on the switch, as I recall the switch with 4 wires has a run position and run with lights position. All the ones I converted were the 2 wire type, I would need to think about the 4 wire type or possibly have a separate switch for the lights. In any case the hole vacated by the factory switch maybe larger or small than the replacement switch, making it larger is simple, if it is too large, I used washers. Please feel free to contact me directly by PM for more information.

[Nucky]

I had a 2009 Ezgo electric Gold color gone from driveway this morning, in Chitty Chatty.
Police said it was odd taken from driveway
Ser# 5047723

:gc:

Jimbo, I'm sorry that this has happened to you. I am proud of the restraint that you showed in your announcement of the Golf Cart getting Clipped. You are a good example to others who still find it rough to be cool when something like this goes on. Wish I could be of assistance. Hope by some miracle you get your property back. Better yet I hope they catch the scum that grabbed it! :censored:

[Babubhat]

Air tags hidden in cart

[Topspinmo]

Did you switch it out yourself or did you go somewhere to have it done? I just bought a new Yamaha (won't get until January) and was told the keys now are done in batches of 400. I definitely want to switch it out!

You can buy uncommon switch with two keys. Takes about 5 - 15 mins to swap out. Unplug wire connector and plug in to new key switch done.

[Topspinmo]

If I had to leave my golf cart out I would at least put tire boot on so they just can’t quietly release brake and roll it off.

Anti-Theft Wheel Lock, Regular | Camping World (https://www.campingworld.com/anti-theft-wheel-lock-regular-122279.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaign%7D&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw8mhkLWk-QIVo8LCBB0MCAhbEAQYAyABEgLzUvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)

[Topspinmo]

If I had to leave my golf cart out I would at least put tire boot on so they just can’t quietly release brake and roll it off.

Anti-Theft Wheel Lock, Regular | Camping World (https://www.campingworld.com/anti-theft-wheel-lock-regular-122279.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaign%7D&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw8mhkLWk-QIVo8LCBB0MCAhbEAQYAyABEgLzUvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)

[jimbo2012]

if they want it and are pro's those will not stop them

[Kenswing]

Still trying to figure out why anyone would want to steal a 13 year old golf cart for anything other than a joyride. The resale has to be close to nil unless there’s a market for the parts.

[P A Paul]

Still trying to figure out why anyone would want to steal a 13 year old golf cart for anything other than a joyride. The resale has to be close to nil unless there’s a market for the parts.

We don’t know how long it was in the driveway….in for a nap, watching tv before leaving again, rest room break, etc,….don’t know anybody who fears carts stolen (in broad daylight?) for short intervals of time. Wouldn’t use a boot if I was doing any of the above “mini-tasks”….not a high crime area, either…need more facts, ma’am, just more facts.

[Topspinmo]

if they want it and are pro's those will not stop them

But it will slow them down and make noise removing, most won’t take that chance IMO.

[Topspinmo]

We don’t know how long it was in the driveway….in for a nap, watching tv before leaving again, rest room break, etc,….don’t know anybody who fears carts stolen (in broad daylight?) for short intervals of time. Wouldn’t use a boot if I was doing any of the above “mini-tasks”….not a high crime area, either…need more facts, ma’am, just more facts.


Said this morning I guess left it out the night before? But hardly even get the details. Awful brash taking it in broad daylight.

[Topspinmo]

Still trying to figure out why anyone would want to steal a 13 year old golf cart for anything other than a joyride. The resale has to be close to nil unless there’s a market for the parts.

Chop shop, money for drugs IMO.

[Rustyboy]

Sorry for your loss! Hopefully the cart will be recovered. After reading about several cart thefts, I purchased a GPS tracker off Amazon. I paid around $40.00 for the tracker and magnetic case and about $100.00/year for the tracking service. Every time the cart moves both my wife and I receive notices on our phones. The tracker is hidden underneath the cart so not noticeable by would be thief. The GPS battery requires recharging about every 3 weeks which takes a about 2-3 hours. It's not a perfect solution but allows the police track down the pound scum if stolen. The link below is type I purchased.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L2KBB8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[RICH1]

Sorry to hear about this , let us know how it goes with the insurance company! They love to take our premium payments

[jswirs]

First of all, sorry for your loss. I am not familiar with Ezgo carts, but Yamaha carts have more or less common keys, last I heard was around 8. I changed out the factory key switch for a uniquely keyed universal automotive starter (ignition) switch. While this will not stop a determined thief, it will slow them down, and will stop the casual thief.
If you have photos of the cart, please post and of course call the police.

Good move on the unique key. I think I have attained the same amount of security by installing a hidden kill switch. Do you agree? (I value your opinion).

[daca55]

It’s sad that we have to read about a golf cart being stolen from someone’s driveway. I have lived here since 2011 and when I first bought here someone stealing a golf cart never entered my mind. Never gave leaving my cart at a square or a store a thought and usually with golf clubs in it. TV has changed. It’s not the same. We all have to be cautious now and look out for each other just like in any big city. Sad!!

[Bridget Staunton]

Please don’t slant the thievery against our wonderful guys that work for the garbage company

[Vikingjunior]

Professional golf cart thieves use flatbed tow trucks to steal your cart. They even have those tow trucks that the driver doesn't have to get out of the truck. He uses a remote to slide a mechanical metal bar under your tires and away they go. It can be stolen in less than a minute.
There is a real shortage on golf cart parts so I expect many more carts to be stolen.

[dhdallas]

I bought a heavy duty knife switch from Amazon for less than $10 and installed on the positive cable leading from the batteries to the motor and controller. I just flip it off whenever leaving the cart unattended. The switch also isolates the batteries from any potential power drain during storage.

[Bob Myles]

Sorry. I invested in 4 Apple Air Tags. One each hidden in our golf bags and the cart. Last is used for luggage. Peace of mind just in case.
My wife and I also bought and use Air Tags for our golf carts and Bags.

[Laker14]

Thanks for the warning. I had some driveway work done last Spring and left two carts out overnight on the street, and I got lucky, but your post is a good warning not to rely on luck. I like the Apple AirTag idea, and they only cost $29, or 4 for $99, but while that may help to catch a thief, avoiding theft in the first place would be a lot less hassle.
Here is a YouTube link to a video on how to replace the ignition switch on a Yamaha. I expect most carts would be similar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn5pH7DWtWk

The next challenge would be to find an ignition switch that would have a more unique key, rather than simply switching it out with another OEM ignition.

[Laker14]

Here's a link to a unique key ignition switch for Yamaha on Amazon.
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Switch-Unique-G22-G29-JU2-H2510-20/dp/B08J8GTZNH/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=KWEP0ZWNLOAK&keywords=unique+key+ignition+switch+yamaha&qid=1659353593&sprefix=unique+key+ignition+switch+yamaha%2Caps%2C 88&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTVUzRUtEQzlXTUdUJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTgyMTc1MTBHVjRRV0oyNkRLMCZlbmN yeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjgxNzY2MVRUMFA0OUszNUwzWCZ3aWRnZ XROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05 vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)

$70...maybe Villagetinker could provide a source for a cheaper solution.

[Marmaduke]

So sorry to hear this happened to you Jimbo.
It shows that bad guys are out lurking, to see what they can steal from us, even here in TV.

I once attended a meeting with police who stated that criminals are paranoid. When there are indications that they will get caught, they usually keep moving.

Motion detector spotlights? Cameras? Ring Doorbell?

[pauld315]

I remember when they decided they were going to build south of 466A the concern people had for their safety in that area being so close to Wildwood. Remember, where you are.

Shouldn't leave your golf cart in a driveway unless you can block it in between a car and your house. Just too easy to steal. As far as I know, all EZ-GO carts come with the same key.

[Bay Kid]

My ring camera would have got a good picture...hopefully.... So sorry people just don't care anymore. No fear of being caught.
Sad world.

[TPRLOC]

Any one that would steal a EZGO needs professional help

[vintageogauge]

What is the problem with being close to Wildwood, it is much different than being close to Lady Lake or Fruitland Park. There is crime everywhere in Florida and most of the "reported" crimes within TV appear to be in the historic section far from Wildwood.

[villagetinker]

Good move on the unique key. I think I have attained the same amount of security by installing a hidden kill switch. Do you agree? (I value your opinion).

The dealer put in a kill switch, but I figured the thieves would know where these are located, which is why i went with the replacement key switch. If you have a truly unusual location for your kill switch this should slow them down.

I have also installed a few alarms for golf carts (search for motorcycle alarms), including one that was 2 way. On this type the remote can receive a signal when the alarm is tripped.

[kcrazorbackfan]

What is the problem with being close to Wildwood, it is much different than being close to Lady Lake or Fruitland Park. There is crime everywhere in Florida and most of the "reported" crimes within TV appear to be in the historic section far from Wildwood.

Nothing wrong being close to Wildwood; just another person typing before thinking.

Anyway, we’ve never heard if the keys were left in the cart stolen, have we?

[Dvanjvan]

Professional golf cart thieves use flatbed tow trucks to steal your cart. They even have those tow trucks that the driver doesn't have to get out of the truck. He uses a remote to slide a mechanical metal bar under your tires and away they go. It can be stolen in less than a minute.
There is a real shortage on golf cart parts so I expect many more carts to be stolen.
Has anyone tried a motion bike alarm? We are expecting our new cart in September and I would like to be pro active.

[Elaine Dickinson]

Please don’t slant the thievery against our wonderful guys that work for the garbage company

He wasn't. I assume his joke was that, given the specific cart, the guys from Waste Management picked it up as trash.

[Rainger99]

Check your neighbors (and even those that aren't your neighbors) to see if they have any security cameras.

[Bogie Shooter]

No trash pickup on Sunday so, that theory is eliminated.

(Sorry Jim had to do it )
Hope your cart is found.

Please don’t slant the thievery against our wonderful guys that work for the garbage company

He wasn't. I assume his joke was that, given the specific cart, the guys from Waste Management picked it up as trash.

My post was in reference to the thread where a chair came up missing. With over 25 posts a number of theories were offered…….least of which “if it’s out front somebody will take and close to the curb to the trash truck”.
I too respect the “trash guys” even this morning gave the 3 man crew each a cold bottle of water.

[Sailsman]

You can add an alarm and cut off switch for about $225... and put an alarm warning sticker on the dash. The cart will not move.

[jswirs]

The dealer put in a kill switch, but I figured the thieves would know where these are located, which is why i went with the replacement key switch. If you have a truly unusual location for your kill switch this should slow them down.

I have also installed a few alarms for golf carts (search for motorcycle alarms), including one that was 2 way. On this type the remote can receive a signal when the alarm is tripped.
Good thinking, once again. I'm hoping that, (first of all our cart is not new), and if they try to steal it is using another key, which will not work if the kill switch is on, they will quickly move onto another target. But really, who knows? Thanks for the information.

[shut the front door]

What is the problem with being close to Wildwood, it is much different than being close to Lady Lake or Fruitland Park. There is crime everywhere in Florida and most of the "reported" crimes within TV appear to be in the historic section far from Wildwood.
Wrong.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/shut-the-front-door-115064/albums/pics/9612-crime.png

[shut the front door]

Nothing wrong being close to Wildwood; just another person typing before thinking.

Anyway, we’ve never heard if the keys were left in the cart stolen, have we?

Or maybe someone who knows that Wildwood is well above the national average in crime and Lady Lake is below.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/members/shut-the-front-door-115064/albums/pics/9612-crime.png

[bilcon]

Did you switch it out yourself or did you go somewhere to have it done? I just bought a new Yamaha (won't get until January) and was told the keys now are done in batches of 400. I definitely want to switch it out!

Dealer will change it for you. At least I hope they will considering what a new car costs

[villagetinker]

Has anyone tried a motion bike alarm? We are expecting our new cart in September and I would like to be pro active.

The are several alarm systems available, I have installed Viper ($$$) and a no name ($$), both these had voltage surge sensing (the alarm goes off when the starter is engaged) the viper had vibration and tilt sensors. Now a word of caution, Best Buy was selling the Viper units, BUT Viper requires installation by an authorized dealer, and will NOT supply the detailed instructions to an individual, you get a very reduced set of instructions with the alarm.

[Topspinmo]

Please don’t slant the thievery against our wonderful guys that work for the garbage company

I agree, throwing trash bags all day long most hard working guys around here. I salute them for trying to earn wage. What even they make not enough IMO.

[Topspinmo]

Check your neighbors (and even those that aren't your neighbors) to see if they have any security cameras.

And villages gate camera’s Or are they waste? Cart had to go out gate on trailer somewhere?

[TSO/ISPF]

And villages gate camera’s Or are they waste? Cart had to go out gate on trailer somewhere?

Do they capture departing traffic??

[Topspinmo]

You can add an alarm and cut off switch for about $225... and put an alarm warning sticker on the dash. The cart will not move.


Don’t stop them from releasing brake and rolling it off onto trailer.

[Lea N]

Still trying to figure out why anyone would want to steal a 13 year old golf cart for anything other than a joyride. The resale has to be close to nil unless there’s a market for the parts.

There are thieves who steal because they enjoy it. Sick I know. Or if they want drug money they will steal anything.

[Pgcacace]

i use one of these:
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09364PDTW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
Tire boots can also be purchased at Campers world on 441.

[jimbo2012]

There are cameras at the gate, Chitty Chatty only has one way in/out.

We have a report at 4 am of cart flying down the walking path around Akin pond and heading to the bridge. :crap2:
No camera on bridge, but police think if that was it they loaded on a trailer etc on the shopping center.
They think there cameras there to look at.

They also said several went stolen the past 304 weeks si they think a organized bunch of dirtbags are on loose.

Nice to have insurance, but not easy to find another one!

[jimmy o]

I had a 2009 Ezgo electric Gold color gone from driveway this morning, in Chitty Chatty.
Police said it was odd taken from driveway
Ser# 5047723

:gc: apple Air Tags have been suggested, but their range is only 800 feet. Not really any value to finding a stolen cart. Glove box lock is a joke, t’s a piece of plastic. Neighbor hood watch is best deterrent. I have no solution other than insurance, and don’t keep valuables in cart.

[DaleDivine]

And villages gate camera’s Or are they waste? Cart had to go out gate on trailer somewhere?

If it was an enclosed trailer no one would see it!!!
:popcorn::popcorn:

[EdFNJ]

Sorry. I invested in 4 Apple Air Tags. One each hidden in our golf bags and the cart. Last is used for luggage. Peace of mind just in case. Yea, exactly. I did the same thing and even removed the speakers from them because they will beep loudly if the thief knows what to do to search for the trackers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vAQNedIa0o

[DaleDivine]

Do they capture departing traffic??

Yes, coming in and going out...
:bowdown::bowdown:

[EdFNJ]

apple Air Tags have been suggested, but their range is only 800 feet. Not really any value to finding a stolen cart. Glove box lock is a joke, t’s a piece of plastic. Neighbor hood watch is best deterrent. I have no solution other than insurance, and don’t keep valuables in cart. Not true at all. People have located their missing luggage in Italy from FL and can see where my golf cart is anytime from anywhere. Their "range" is infinite as long as someone with an Apple device walks past it within a couple hundredfeet and the battery remains good which is around 8-12 months. It's exactly like the "Find My" app on an iPhone. I guess you aren't an iPhone user.

Just one example of thousands: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/10/28/airtags-theft/

[Amohernyikes]

Sorry. I invested in 4 Apple Air Tags. One each hidden in our golf bags and the cart. Last is used for luggage. Peace of mind just in case.

How to the Apple Air Tags work?

[Bogie Shooter]

How to the Apple Air Tags work?

AirTag - Apple (https://www.apple.com/airtag/)

[worahm]

Sorry that happened to you. Seems like a GPS locator hidden somewhere out of sight on the golf cart might have been a good idea.

[Topspinmo]

If it was an enclosed trailer no one would see it!!!
:popcorn::popcorn:

I’d they got enough money for enclosed trailer why steal old golf cart. O wait, maybe the stole the enclosed trailer also…:popcorn::popcorn:

[TCNY61]

Not true at all. People have located their missing luggage in Italy from FL and can see where my golf cart is anytime from anywhere. Their "range" is infinite as long as someone with an Apple device walks past it within a couple hundredfeet and the battery remains good which is around 8-12 months. It's exactly like the "Find My" app on an iPhone. I guess you aren't an iPhone user.

Just one example of thousands: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/10/28/airtags-theft/

You have to have someone walk real close to the air tag with an Iphone. I have one on my dog but my yard is 6 acres. I can be 100 feet from my dog and see her and the tracking on my phone still can't fine her.

[EdFNJ]

You have to have someone walk real close to the air tag with an Iphone. I have one on my dog but my yard is 6 acres. I can be 100 feet from my dog and see her and the tracking on my phone still can't fine her. That's because you don't have a lot of people walking around your 6 acre plot! That is not the purpose of an Air Tag or how it works. There needs to be people with iPhones or iPads walking around the area which is how the signal gets picked up and sent to "the cloud" where FIND MY can locate it. . If the dog escapes out into a populated town and someone grabbed it you'd most likely be able to locate it because there are likely many iPhones nearby. If the air tag is in the middle of nowhere without iPhone/ipad "traffic" nearby it obviously won't work. Generally speaking the chances are a stolen golf cart will pass multiple "I"devices or always be in range of one if the thief has one. My kids had no problem locating their luggage on a flight back from Italy. They watched it go off the plane and through the airport. I can see my golf cart from anywhere it parked. If my wife is driving it I can watch it travel (heh heh) all around TV because there are zillions of iPhone/ipads in the area.

Bottom line is: the range on AirTags is functionally infinite as long as there's an iPhone passing nearby. It's not going to track your dog running on your land without people constantly around. For that you'd need a GPS tracker but for a car or golf cart or luggage these thing work great and at $29 are a lot cheaper than GPS trackers with monthly fees.

Interesting "pro/con" article:

https://screenrant.com/apple-airtag-bluetooth-distance-range-reach-explained/

From the above linked article:
While these trackers (others listed in above article) have AirTag handily beat on the Bluetooth side of things, it's important to remember that AirTag is the only tracker that connects to the Find My network. If anyone with a modern Apple device is near a lost AirTag, that's enough to alert the AirTag owner of its exact location. Considering the hundreds of millions of Apple devices that power the Find My network, that's a pretty considerable advantage.