Review: This cheap, simple gadget could be a great way to catch car thieves - and it's currently on offer
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We’ve tested the Technaxx TX-100 plug-in alarm - a clever, budget-friendly way to keep your car, motorhome or boat secure
Keyless technology in cars might be convenient, but it has led to a surge in vehicle thefts, and it's prompting owners to think outside the box when it comes to securing their pride and joy.
Physical devices such as steering locks are a great way to deter car thieves, but this new gadget could add some peace of mind for a very reasonable price.
Currently priced at £29.99, if you can catch the special offer, the Technaxx TX-100 Alarm is designed to secure cars, motorhomes, and even boats.
It works in a similar way to a normal car or house alarm, with a PIR motion sensor that triggers a particularly horrible 110dB alarm if it spots movement.
Cleverly, it plugs straight in to a cigarette lighter socket and, even more cleverly, it has two USB outputs, so it looks and acts like a normal in-car charger.
So there's no complex wiring, no lengthy setup, you just plug it in, switch it on, and it'll scare the life out of anyone who's trying their luck.
To deactivate it, you just press a button on the key fob remote, and it'll know you're back at your car, and the alarm won't sound.
Even more cleverly, you don't have to have power going to the device for it to work. It has an on-board rechargeable battery, which is juiced up by the 12v supply from the cigarette lighter socket while the vehicle is running. And that battery will last more than long enough for you to leave your car unattended for long periods.
I've tested the Technaxx TX-100 in a car, a motorhome, and a boat, and it's incredibly effective. We often leave our boat for short periods with the canopy open and, even though the cabin doors are locked we don't want unsavoury types snooping in the cockpit, so this keeps a watchful eye for us. Likewise, my wife’s convertible car can now be left with the roof off while we pop to the shops, and we know it’s much safer.
It's also likely to be very useful in a tent during the camping season. Zip your tent up, leave this little gadget standing sentry, and if anyone fancies paying an unsolicited visit, the campsite will soon know about it.
The button on the remote is a bit easy to press by accident, which is a shame, and it could be argued that a thief could easily grab the device and toss it out of the window - or in the canal - but that’s if they can find out where the sound is coming from before they go slightly mad.
However, for the sake of £30 it's just so simple and effective, and a small price to pay for peace of mind. I like it so much, I think I'm going to buy a second one while the 25% discount lasts.