From: worley@a.cs.okstate.edu (WORLEY LAWRENCE JA)
Subject: Re: detachable faceplate - effective or gimmick?
Organization: Oklahoma State University
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 93 05:24:53 GMT

From article <1iap5oINNilo@jethro.Corp.Sun.COM>, by elef@smarmy.Eng.Sun.COM (elaine 'beano' leffler):
> 
> sorry if this is a FAQ, but i don't read this group on a regular basis.
> i'm looking into purchasing a CD player for my new car, and am 
> wondering how effective a theft deterrent the detachable faceplates
> are.   i know i would get lazy with a pull-out stereo unit, and either
> leave it in, or leave it under the seat in the car, so i don't want to 
> get one of those, but i think i could get into the habit of removing
> the faceplate and carrying it with me (it fits in my purse!).  pioneer
> seems to charge about $100 just for the addition of the detachable
> faceplate, and i'm wondering if it's worth the extra money, or if it's
> just another false-security gimmick.  i have no doubt that if someone
> really wants to steal my stereo they'll be able to get at it with little
> trouble (if they're good), but i'd like to do what i can to lessen the
> chance of theft.
> 
> looking forward to KEEPING my first car CD player,
> 
> elef

I have worked at a high-end car stereo shop for about 5 years.  I have seen
many things come and go, and LOTS of gimmicks.  The removable face is a good
idea, and would be quite effective, if all dealers played by the rules.  The
way it is SUPPOSED to work is, if your CD player is stolen, and you have the
faceplate, then the thief is out of luck, and probably wouldn't take the
unit to begin with, because he knows he can't get a new faceplate.  
Unfortunately, many car stereo dealers are greedy, and are more than happy
to sell Joe Blow a new faceplate for $80, because there is good profit 
margin on these pieces.  So now, the would-be thief knows he can steal this
radio carcus, buy a new faceplate for $80, and he's in business.  This is
unfortunate, but true.  I have several customers to whom I've sold
removable face cassette/CD units that have been stolen, and I have called
other stores (anonymously) to ask what the price is of a new faceplate and
if I need a receipt etc.  If a salesman tells you during his sales-pitch that
they don't sell faceplates without a receipt, then have someone call the
store back later and ask.  You might be surprised what you hear (or not!).

-Jason Worley

PS>  For anti-theft, the best thing I have seen is "stealth" systems.  
     Leave your factory radio there, buy a CD changer to mount in the
     trunk(or under seat), and have your installer mount the control
     in an inconspicuous place like the glove compartment, center console,
     under seat, in ash tray etc...

> 
> 
>   **...........................................................**
>      Elaine 'beano' Leffler	SunConnect Customer Advocate
>      elef@smarmy.Eng.Sun.Com	       (415) 336-5142
>   **...........................................................**
> 
>     your sweet little cupcake, baked with the batter from HELL....
> 
>    "...technology marches on - and makes 150-mph motorcycles for
>     15-mph beginners' brains."	_motorcyclist_
> 
>