However, a very determined criminal, as mentioned above, might go as far as cutting off fingers in order to circumvent this problem. Nonetheless, fingerprinting appears to make car theft somewhat more challenging than the ordinary immobilizing device. Main Conclusions

Because of its groundbreaking technology and the fact that it makes car theft more difficult than ordinary immobilizing devices, biometric fingerprinting devices for immobilizing and car door locking holds particular advantages over other anti-theft devices. The main advantage is that thieves who steal the car keys cannot either unlock or start vehicles with such devices. This is also useful for other vehicles such as trucks that hold valuable cargo. Of course there is the possibility of cutting off fingers, but the availability of easier targets of car theft can make this fairly unlikely.

Generally, the use of fingerprinting in developing anti-theft devices for cars appears to have a very bright future. As the technology develops, the use of car keys could be entirely eliminated in the future. This could make things much easier for the car owner who is constantly searching for misplaced keys. The reliability of the device in terms of scanning fingerprints accurately each time is an issue that will become clearer with time. As the technology develops, it can only improve matters for motorists who are concerned with keeping their possessions out of harm's way.

Recommendations

Because the technology is so new, it is recommended...

As testing and improvements continue, research surveys should also be conducted among existing users. Any problems identified in this way can then be addressed and eliminated in future models.
The problem of possible violent crime should also be investigated; police reports relating to car thefts should be monitored on a continual basis. In the case of violent crime such as removing fingers or hands for the purpose of stealing a vehicle, research should be conducted to eliminate this possibility as well.

In general, car security devices are seeing many improvements, and will continue to improve in the future. With thorough research, fingerprinting devices for cars and other vehicles can join the existing pool of available devices in order to maintain the car owner's peace of mind and general security.

Sources

Australian Academy of Science. (2001). Putting a finger on it - the loops and whorls of biometrics. http://www.science.org.au/nova/064/064print.htm

McBride, Simon. (2007). Biometric Immobiliser: A finger on security. Auto Express News, August 21. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/209962/biometric_immobiliser.html

Oxborn, Alice. (2005). Biometrics History. Video Surveillance Guide, August 17. http://www.video-surveillance-guide.com/biometrics-history.htm

Swedberg, Claire. (2005). Triple RFID Protection for Cars. RFID Journal, Jan 3. http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/1304/1/1