Educating Golf Car Owners About Golf Car Theft
It seems that at least once a week I read about golf car theft. Either a dealership had several golf cars stolen or an individual woke up to realize that their golf car had been stolen. Golf car theft is on the rise. The price of golf cars is on the rise, making theft an even bigger problem.
With many golf cars creeping up to rival the price of vehicles, they have become a popular target for thieves. It is estimated that more than 30,000 golf cars are stolen each year in the US. Golf cars are difficult to track and are easy to disassemble for parts, making it a lucrative niche on the black market.
Many golf car owners have a false sense of security when it comes to the theft risk. The idea that they are “just golf cars” leads them to be less vigilant in locking and tracking their vehicles than other types of transportation, such as bicycles or motorcycles. Golf car dealers can help their customers to understand the risk and avoid theft in a few simple ways.
Install a Tracking Unit
There are several real-time tracking units on the market. The GPS Tracker Shop has a few available specifically for golf cars. The small circular tracker can be installed in a discreet location, like within the glove box or under the seat cushion. If your golf car is stolen, you can track it from your mobile phone. As a dealer, consider placing one on each golf car to secure your golf cars within your shop and then sell it to your customer for their added protection.
Steering Wheel Lock
Similar to The Club, that we all remember from the 80s and 90s, golf car steering wheel locks prevent the steering wheel from being turned. It is pretty effective- when it is used. But, most golf car owners forget to use it or find it to be a hassle. Plus, thieves can simply remove the steering column and push the golf car onto a trailer if they are determined to steal it.
Pedal Lock
Pedal locks work similarly to the steering wheel lock, except it prevents the pedal from engaging. This theft prevention method will not keep the golf car from being towed, but it can act as a deterrent from a quick golf car grab. Pedal locks are also a great way to keep kids from accidentally engaging the golf car and driving off.
Unique Key
Many golf car owners don’t realize that most golf cars use the same key. Changing the ignition switch to a unique key is an important way to protect your golf cars from theft. Proving this theft prevention feature for your customers is inexpensive and valuable.
Educating new golf car owners about how to protect their investment and helping new owners prevent costly mistakes should be a top priority for golf car dealers and golf car communities.
About the Author: The Founder/Former Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, Julie Starr, was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf car products. The eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com, has served golf car owners since 2008 and remains a popular online shopping experience for golf car owners who want to take their golf cars to the next level.
