SALINAS, Calif. -- A local auto theft company said one of your favorite car features has become a hot item for thieves: Your car stereo.
Monterey County Sheriff's deputies said Joel Ramirez now sits in Monterey County Jail after attempting to break into two Honda Accords on Boronda Road to steal their stereos.
But he was caught red handed.
George Booher, owner of Basis Auto Security in Salinas, said he's hearing more about incidents like these, because stereos are too easy to steal.
"Most of the radios nowadays don't have a lock, like when you steal it they go into a lock mode," he said. "All they need is a dash kit, wire harness and an antenna adapter."
It's a double-edge sword. Thieves want the technology in your car, but technology is also helping protect you from falling victim, that is if you're willing to dish out some cash.
"Alarms are one thing. Get a stereo that has a detatchable face. Have something to where you can monitor your vehicle," Booher said.
The Viper application for your cell phone can work with your dealer in tracking your car if it's lost, stolen, or even shutting it down.
"Let's say they're taking this car and we want to shut it down. We just hit the "lock" and it kills the ignition so now if he jumps in the car and starts the car, the car is dead," Booher said.
If you're interested in downloading the application, it starts at $200 and can go up to $500 depending on whether you want to add an alarm system to it.
Visit http://www.viper.com/smartstart/ for more information.
