Gutted!

[Doctle Odd]

I suggest you install a GPS tracker on this car with a nice sticker on the window. I'd also set my alarm to night mode with a 10 second deactivation time. A nice bright PIR covering your car is a good deterrent too and bring your keys into the bedroom or put them in a drawer. I know these things are a pain to have to do but cars are very difficult to steal. I unlock the gun case at night the sideways '8' is the ultimate thief stopper but I don't think these type of thieves want any hassle or confrontation. Usually the flashing light on the alarm box and the PIR sends them on their way. Sorry about your car mate but it's really the invasion of your home that annoys the most

[Eshrules]

And get a bloody big German Shepherd*

I've yet to see someone a GS considers an imposter come off well.

*Best dog in the world, IMHO - grown up with them including 2 ex police dogs who proved very useful when my folks citroen BX was broken into.

[Leeconvery]

I suggest you install a GPS tracker on this car with a nice sticker on the window. I'd also set my alarm to night mode with a 10 second deactivation time. A nice bright PIR covering your car is a good deterrent too and bring your keys into the bedroom or put them in a drawer. I know these things are a pain to have to do but cars are very difficult to steal. I unlock the gun case at night the sideways '8' is the ultimate thief stopper but I don't think these type of thieves want any hassle or confrontation. Usually the flashing light on the alarm box and the PIR sends them on their way. Sorry about your car mate but it's really the invasion of your home that annoys the most

Thanks for the advice I agree with you about the keys, but as we learnt from the police this time, the guys that took our car also tried to get another golf not far away, as they didn't find the keys downstairs, they went upstairs and woke a guy up and threatened him for the keys. Sadly they had not gone into the right house as the golf didn't belong to him?! From my point of view, I have kids in the house and would prefer somebody come and find the keys easily and not bother coming upstairs.. Quick question, what is the night mode thing on the alarm - I haven't heard about that?

[Leeconvery]

And get a bloody big German Shepherd*

I've yet to see someone a GS considers an imposter come off well.

*Best dog in the world, IMHO - grown up with them including 2 ex police dogs who proved very useful when my folks citroen BX was broken into.

Totally agree, a lot of people have said that even the smallest noisy dog will be a deal breaker for most, a big GS would certainly do the trick!

[Doctle Odd]

On my alarm control panel there's a little door with codes on it so you can control different zones. I think it's called half set on some systems basically it disables the movement sensors in the house but arms all the doors and windows.

Thanks for the advice I agree with you about the keys, but as we learnt from the police this time, the guys that took our car also tried to get another golf not far away, as they didn't find the keys downstairs, they went upstairs and woke a guy up and threatened him for the keys. Sadly they had not gone into the right house as the golf didn't belong to him?! From my point of view, I have kids in the house and would prefer somebody come and find the keys easily and not bother coming upstairs.. Quick question, what is the night mode thing on the alarm - I haven't heard about that?

[Leeconvery]

On my alarm control panel there's a little door with codes on it so you can control different zones. I think it's called half set on some systems basically it disables the movement sensors in the house but arms all the doors and windows.

Ah - I thought you meant on the car!! I was thinking how that could work?! I was thinking that maybe it was like a setting on the alarm that you could set at night that meant that when you unlocked the car in the morning you would have to wait a minute before getting in otherwise the alarm would sound... I may copyright that idea and sell it to VW!

[Doctle Odd]

As the OP said you can have your car stop running a distance from your home I believe it requires a code but I've not seen this system and I don't know how it works

[size12]

I thin the eat option it trying to stop them getting in in the first place.
If you have wooden doors fit a bs3621 mortice dead or sash lock. Plus a bs3621 night latch this will lock the door as you close it to stop the sneak in behind you burglary.
If uPVC or composite doors are fitted upgrade all your locks to TS007 3 star locks, if possible change your door handles to a fast lock lever pad design PAS 24 compliant.
Not all multipoint door locks can take fast lock handles to best to check first.

Hth

[Leeconvery]

I thin the eat option it trying to stop them getting in in the first place.
If you have wooden doors fit a bs3621 mortice dead or sash lock. Plus a bs3621 night latch this will lock the door as you close it to stop the sneak in behind you burglary.
If uPVC or composite doors are fitted upgrade all your locks to TS007 3 star locks, if possible change your door handles to a fast lock lever pad design PAS 24 compliant.
Not all multipoint door locks can take fast lock handles to best to check first.

Hth

Thanks, we have had all the locks upgraded (well above the level the insurance company was prepared to pay for), not sure what the model numbers are but by all accounts there was nothing better we could have fitted. Really appreciate the advice though.

[Norbreck21a]

Very very Sad, and as some have said quite traumatic, knowing someone has been in your house.

Thing is what do you do. Drive a round in a shed of a car for fear of getting a good one nicked, feel unsafe in your own house and make it like Fort Knox - then those ba5tards have won !

I, like pretty much all on here, have worked bloody hard to get the lifestyle the wife and I currently enjoy, and I for one won't let a drugged up scroat change my life to suit him ! I have VRI on the Golf and if it get's nicked, sure I'll be upset, but at least I know I won't be financially out of pocket. It is after all only a car (wow.... did I just say that !), and these can be replaced. Family members can't !