Community
10 September, 2024
Last chance for engine immobiliser installations
MOTORISTS have less than a month to redeem their state government $500 immobiliser voucher.
Brett O’Sughrue of Cairns Auto Electrical said if people had applied and been granted the $500 immobiliser voucher he urged them to contact an approved installer and book in their vehicle.
“Generally, the voucher will cover the entire cost of the immobiliser and installation, which means no out-of-pocket expense to the customer,” he said.
“It is a great opportunity to add extra security to your vehicle to combat the youth crime currently in Cairns and surrounding regions.
“Time is running out quickly and if the voucher isn’t redeemed by the installer on September 30 it will expire. The immobiliser needs to be installed on or before September 30.
“I advise people to not become complacent and leave redeeming their voucher to the last minute.
“It can take up to two hours to install an immobiliser and, depending on the volume of vehicles booked in, you may need to leave your car with us for at least half the day.
“Getting the job done earlier means more security for your vehicle and possible savings with your insurer so it makes sense to book your car in now.”
With over 3000 vouchers left to be redeemed in Cairns, residents must act swiftly and secure their installations.
A car immobiliser supplier is calling on all political parties to pledge a broader scheme before the October 26 state election.
LC Distributors principal Lisa Cohen said the $10 million 20,000-vehicle trial overseen by the Queensland Police Service was due to end on June 30, but was extended until September 30.
“An immobiliser prevents someone without the code to start a vehicle, even if they have the car keys,” she said.
“The extent of car theft across the state has been appalling, and the Queensland Government is to be congratulated for adopting the Queensland Police Union proposal for a car immobiliser trial.”
Ms Cohen said that the car immobiliser voucher system in Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa should be extended, and other parts of Queensland should be included as part of the government’s $1.28 billion community safety plan for Queensland.
“The Queensland Government has committed to adopt a state-wide towing assistance scheme to provide financial support for people who have had their car stolen,” she said.
“It would make sense to extend the car immobiliser trial for state-wide implementation to reduce the number of victims of crime and reduce the call on the towing of motor vehicles scheme.”
