View Full Version : Curious about cart theft prevention devices
GreggC69
04-21-2025, 10:35 AM
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.
tophcfa
04-21-2025, 11:13 AM
Unique keyed ignition switch and well hidden kill switch.
ElDiabloJoe
04-21-2025, 11:35 AM
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."
thelegges
04-21-2025, 12:55 PM
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
patlerro
04-21-2025, 01:21 PM
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.
villagetinker
04-21-2025, 01:55 PM
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.
OrangeBlossomBaby
04-21-2025, 05:53 PM
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.
Decadeofdave
04-21-2025, 07:18 PM
I have a club, I use it at squares if it's parked in the rear parking lots after dark.
bsloan1960
04-21-2025, 08:21 PM
I use this- loud vibration alarm. Battery operated, installs in seconds. $20 on Amazon: Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Vibration-Motorcycle-Adjustable-Sensitivity/dp/B07KPKLBCR/ref=asc_df_B07KPKLBCR?mcid=938ffcba6424362aa54b25e 8882d4532&hvocijid=31872899093453540-B07KPKLBCR-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=31872899093453540&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012419&hvtargid=pla-2281435177898&psc=1)
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.
RoseyRed
04-22-2025, 05:04 AM
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.
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.
Minoletti
04-22-2025, 05:06 AM
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
Trident2
04-22-2025, 05:11 AM
I use this on my electric trike. The subscription has gone up a little, but still pretty cheap insurance.
Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNDDYHF?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_2&th=1)
Nanettek3
04-22-2025, 05:55 AM
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.
What?
04-22-2025, 06:32 AM
air tag alarm can be disabled. search internet for how to instructions
ridge
04-22-2025, 06:58 AM
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.
How does a club lock work on a golf cart? I had one for Mt car once. Looks like golf cart steering wheel could still turn. Do you have a picture of it on? Thanks.
Sgt Ed
04-22-2025, 07:33 AM
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.. The problem with the "Club" to restrict steer wheel movement is it easier and faster to remove with out a key than with a key. Use to Owen a police type tow service recovering cars with clubs. Guaranteed Thhow to do this.
e thieves know
golfing eagles
04-22-2025, 07:44 AM
I have a club, I use it at squares if it's parked in the rear parking lots after dark.
I have a club as well. I use it on the thief who is attempting to steal my cart :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
Bigbird59
04-22-2025, 08:12 AM
This is what I decided on. Very quick to engage and disengage. Simple master lock if you need to replace. Easy install. No storage issues. Made of SS no maintenance. Stops rolling as brake is on. Does not allow fuel pedal to move. I think it is a win win.
Annabelle110410
04-22-2025, 08:16 AM
We use a kill switch (out of sight) installed by dealer, Ver cheap. Have used it religiously with apparent success. Thieves like to move very quickly without drawing attention.
OrangeBlossomBaby
04-22-2025, 08:42 AM
We use a kill switch (out of sight) installed by dealer, Ver cheap. Have used it religiously with apparent success. Thieves like to move very quickly without drawing attention.
As I said - very easy to just turn the knob under the seat and put the thing in neutral, and roll it onto a flatbed ramp. To people in the neighborhood they appear to be golf cart repair trucks, picking up someone's cart to bring it to the garage to fix it.
But they're just stealing it. They can load up a few carts on a single truck.
Lottoguy
04-22-2025, 08:45 AM
The person hearing the Airtag would have to have a Apple phone with him to hear the beep.
DrHitch
04-22-2025, 09:40 AM
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.....
True, but if you see a flatbed heisting a cart fully loaded with golf clubs, chairs, etc at a square or clubhouse SHOULD BE very suspicious.!!
Sully2023
04-22-2025, 11:31 AM
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.
I added a golf cart alarm to mine three years ago. It works great. Once the alarm is set, if the cart is tampered either the alarm goes off. Try calling Scotty G at 561-662-0319. Line Wolf Cart Alarms.
Villager24
04-23-2025, 05:40 AM
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.
Just a note on kill switches. Mine failed and stranded me on the MMP at 10 pm.
elle123
04-23-2025, 05:48 AM
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.
Your golf cart should be pretty safe if you use your cart exclusively to play golf and then drive it back to your garage and close the door.
Bassdeer
04-23-2025, 06:09 AM
This is what I decided on. Very quick to engage and disengage. Simple master lock if you need to replace. Easy install. No storage issues. Made of SS no maintenance. Stops rolling as brake is on. Does not allow fuel pedal to move. I think it is a win win.
That's a good one. Thanks
KarenBrake
04-23-2025, 07:05 AM
We utilize three kinds. A kill switch, a motion alarm and a push pad where the key won’t work until you punch in the proper code. (Created by someone at UF) All installed by my hubs. Works for us.
Micizel
04-23-2025, 07:31 AM
We use a steering wheel cable lock bought off of Amazon. It loops through the steering wheel and then clicks into the seat belt latch. It makes it hard to turn the wheel. Seems to be a good visual deterrent but if someone really wants to steal a cart they’ll find a way.
ElDiabloJoe
04-23-2025, 07:52 AM
That golf cart lok (dot com) shown above looks pretty good! Until you go to their site and see they want $250 bucks for it! Yikes. I was interested in it for about $50. $250 is an immediate no-go for me.
BillyGrown
04-23-2025, 09:06 AM
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."
We bought something similar for under $20 on Amazon. It took 5 minutes to install.
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