Vehicle Anti-theft device and method

Abstract

A vehicle anti-theft device (10) includes a secure housing (12) mounted externally to a vehicle's automatic transmission casing. The housing (12) contains an electronic control unit (ECU) (22) and an actuator (24). The ECU (22) is configured to control the actuator (24) to physically engage and manipulate an external gear selector lever (15) to control the state of the transmission. In a locked state, the actuator (24) moves the lever (15) to its Park (P) position to immobilise the vehicle. In a disengaged state, for example during a hijacking, the actuator (24) can move the lever (15) to a Neutral (N) position to safely disconnect drive to the wheels. The invention provides a robust, cost-effective, and retrofittable physical security solution that overcomes the limitations of purely electronic systems and offers a safe method for disabling a vehicle.

Description

[0001] Vehicle anti-theft device and method

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to the vehicle security industry. More specifically, it relates to devices for preventing theft of vehicles.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0005] Despite there being numerous different types of vehicle anti-theft devices available on the market, vehicle theft is rife and remains a significant problem which needs to be addressed. As vehicle technology has advanced, e.g., with the introduction of keyless entry systems and electronic smart keys or fobs, so car theft techniques have evolved. For example, relay attacks have now become a problem for new vehicles with keyless entry systems. Here attackers use specialised electronic equipment to intercept and relay signals between the car and the key fob thus gaining entry to and starting the car.

[0006] The Applicant is the proprietor of RSA Patent no. 2018 / 01855 for a vehicle anti-theft device which has proven successful in preventing vehicle theft by locking and immobilising a driveshaft of the vehicle and hence preventing vehicle theft. A drawback associated with this product is that it is a costly unit to retrofit to the vehicle which may be a prohibitive factor for some clients.

[0007] Other presently available anti-theft devices have some sort of drawback which thieves inevitably identify and then manage to exploit to circumvent the device.

[0008] The present invention aims to alleviate the drawbacks discussed above.

[0009] SUMMARY OF INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle antitheft device comprising a secure housing configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the housing containing an electronic control unit (ECU) and an actuator controlled by the ECU, wherein the secure housing is configured to be mounted to an automatic transmission casing of the vehicle, proximate an external gear selector lever of the automatic transmission; and the ECU is configured to control the actuator such that a part of the actuator physically engages and moves the gear selector lever to control a position thereof.

[0010] The actuator may be a linear actuator comprising an extendable / retractable arm. The ECU may be configurable to a locked state in which the actuator moves the part to an extended position to move and retain the gear selector lever in a Park (P) position. The ECU may also be configured to automatically place the vehicle antitheft device into the locked state upon detection that an ignition of the vehicle has been turned off. Furthermore, the ECU may be configurable to an unlocked state in which the actuator moves the part to a retracted position to disengage from the gear selector lever, thereby permitting unencumbered movement of the gear selector lever.

[0011] Also, the ECU may be configurable to a disengaged state in which the actuator moves the part to an intermediate position to move and retain the gear selector lever in a Neutral (N) position. The ECU may be configured to automatically transition the vehicle anti-theft device from the disengaged state to the locked state only upon detection that a speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined threshold.

[0012] The secure housing may comprise a base plate configured for mounting to the automatic transmission casing, and a cover configured to be securely lockable over the base plate to prevent access to fasteners securing the base plate. The base plate may define an opening configured to receive a gear selector shaft of the automatic transmission, such that the housing is mounted over the gear selector shaft. The secure housing may further house: a communication module configured for wireless communication with a remote device, the communication module being a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module; and a Global Positioning System (GPS) module.

[0013] The secure housing may further house at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope for detecting movement of the vehicle.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing theft of a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having an external gear selector lever, the method including: providing an anti-theft device comprising a secure housing containing an electronic control unit (ECU) and an actuator; mounting the secure housing to a casing of the automatic transmission, proximate the gear selector lever; and controlling, via the ECU, the actuator to physically engage and move the gear selector lever to control a position thereof.

[0015] The method may include the step of controlling the actuator to move the gear selector lever into a Neutral (N) position to disengage the automatic transmission upon detection of unauthorised use of the vehicle.

[0016] Prior to controlling the actuator to move the gear selector lever into the Neutral (N) position, the method may include issuing an audible warning to a driver of the vehicle warning that the vehicle is about to be disabled to enable the driver to take steps to ensure safety of the vehicle, before drive to the wheels is disconnected. The audible warning may be in the form of a pre-recorded voice message informing the driver of imminent deactivation of the vehicle.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle anti-theft device which includes: a secure housing which is configured to be mounted to an automatic transmission casing of a vehicle, proximate a gear selector lever; an electronic control unit (ECU) operatively housed within the housing; and an actuator which is also housed within the housing, the electronic control unit being configured to actuate the actuator, based upon a state of the vehicle anti-theft device, to control a position of the gear selector lever thereby to control the automatic vehicle transmission.

[0018] To this end, the actuator may be configured directly to engage the gear selector lever in order to control a position of the gear selector lever. The actuator may be configured indirectly to engage the gear selector lever in order to control a position of the gear selector lever. The actuator may take the form of a linear actuator. A distal end of the actuator may be configured directly or indirectly to bear against the gear selector lever. Furthermore, the actuator may be configured to apply a pushing force to the gear selector lever.

[0019] The secure housing may be configured to be mounted over a gear selector shaft of the automatic transmission.

[0020] The housing may be configured to be mounted adjacent to the automatic transmission of the vehicle. Accordingly, the housing may be retrofittable to the automatic transmission casing. Furthermore, the housing may be configured to mount directly to the automatic transmission casing over the gear selector shaft. The housing may be configured to mount to existing mounting formations on the automatic transmission casing using mounting bolts.

[0021] The housing may be tamperproof. To this end, the housing may include a mounting bracket and a complementary cover which is securely attached to the mounting bracket. The housing may define an inner chamber within which the electronic control unit and actuator are securely housed. The cover of the housing may be securely locked over the mounting bracket using a locking mechanism. The housing may be constructed of stainless steel. The mounting bracket may be configured to be secured to the automatic transmission casing of the vehicle using fasteners which are secured to existing fixation points provided on the automatic transmission casing. The cover may be securely lockable over the mounting bracket to prevent unauthorised access to the fasteners securing the mounting bracket to the transmission casing. The cover of the housing may also prevent access to the gear selector lever, actuator or gear selector shaft. The housing may define an opening through which a gear shifting cable, which is connected to the gear selector lever, extends.

[0022] As is conventional, the automatic transmission may include the following transmission modes, namely, Park (P), Neutral (N), Reverse (R) and Drive (D) selected using conventional in-cabin transmission selection controls, i.e. a gear selection lever or similar controls.

[0023] The vehicle anti-theft device may be configurable between a locked state and an unlocked state. When in its locked state, the actuator may be in an extended position in which it engages and bears against the gear selection lever, inhibiting its movement thereby retaining it in its current position. When in its unlocked state, the actuator may be in a retracted position in which the gear selection lever has freedom of movement. The ECU may be configured to move the actuator between its extended and retracted positions.

[0024] When in its locked state, the vehicle anti-theft device is configured to urge the automatic transmission into its Park (P) position / mode, and to retain it in its Park (P) position, by virtue of the actuator bearing against the gear selection lever, irrespective of a vehicle transmission mode selection made using in-cabin transmission selection controls.

[0025] When in its unlocked state, the vehicle anti-theft device permits unencumbered gear selection using the convention transmission selection controls. Accordingly, when in its unlocked state, the automatic vehicle transmission may be controlled to be in any of its Park, Drive, Reverse or Neutral positions / modes using the conventional vehicle transmission selection controls.

[0026] Furthermore, the vehicle anti-theft device may be configurable between a locked state, unlocked state and a disengaged state. When in its disengaged state, the vehicle anti-theft device may be configured to urge the gear selection lever into its Neutral (N) position, and to retain it in its Neutral (N) position, through actuation of the actuator. The actuator may therefore be configured to urge the gear selection lever into its neutral position.

[0027] In so doing, the vehicle anti-theft device is configured to control the automatic vehicle transmission mode and gear selection depending on the state of the vehicle antitheft device.

[0028] The vehicle anti-theft device may include a communication module which is configured wirelessly to communicate to a remote device. The communication module may include a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module housed within the housing. The vehicle anti-theft device may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module. Furthermore, the vehicle anti-theft device may include at least one accelerometer or gyroscope housed within the housing. Also, the vehicle anti-theft device may include a battery housed inside the housing.

[0029] Accordingly, the vehicle anti-theft device may be remotely controllable. The vehicle anti-theft device may be configured for control by way of authorised biometrics, e.g. facial recognition, or fingerprints, etc.

[0030] The secure housing may include a lock to prevent unauthorized access to components housed inside the housing. The vehicle anti-theft device may be retrofittable to a vehicle.

[0031] The vehicle anti-theft device may be configured to move to its locked state automatically, upon detection that a vehicle ignition has been turned off. Furthermore, the vehicle anti-theft device may be configured to move automatically from its disengaged state to it locked state upon detecting that the vehicle is stationary or moving below a predetermined speed.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preventing vehicle theft, the method including: providing a vehicle anti-theft device as described above; retrofitting the vehicle anti-theft device to a vehicle; and controlling an automatic transmission of the vehicle by physically manipulating a position of the gear selection lever, using the actuator, based upon a state of the vehicle anti-theft device.

[0033] Controlling may include urging, using the actuator, the automatic transmission into its Park (P) position / mode, when the anti-theft device is in a locked state, and retaining it in its Park (P) position / mode until the state of the anti-theft device changes. The above step of controlling may be done carried out irrespective of a vehicle transmission mode selection made using in-cabin transmission selection controls.

[0034] Controlling may include retracting the actuator to its retracted position and permitting free range of gear selector lever movement, when the anti-theft device is in its unlocked state.

[0035] The controlling step may further include urging, using the actuator, the automatic transmission into its Neutral (N) position / mode, and retaining it in its Neutral (N) position, when the anti-theft device is in a disengaged state.

[0036] The method may further include moving the anti-theft device to its locked state automatically, upon detection that a vehicle ignition has been turned off.

[0037] The method may further include moving the anti-theft device automatically from its disengaged state to it locked state upon detecting that the vehicle is stationary or moving below a predetermined speed.

[0038] The method may include automatically moving the anti-theft device into its disengaged state upon detecting unauthorised use of the vehicle.

[0039] Retrofitting the vehicle anti-theft device may include mounting the vehicle anti-theft device directly to the automatic transmission casing. Retrofitting the vehicle anti-theft device may further include mounting the vehicle anti-theft device over a gear selector shaft of the automatic transmission. Retrofitting the vehicle anti-theft device may include securely mounting a housing of the vehicle anti-theft device directly to existing fixation points provided on the automatic transmission using fasteners. Therefore, the method may include mounting a mounting bracket of the housing directly to the automatic transmission casing over or adjacent to a gear selector shaft which protrudes from the automatic transmission casing. The method may further include securely locking a complementary cover of the housing over the mounting bracket using a locking mechanism.

[0040] The invention extends to a vehicle which includes a vehicle anti-theft device as described above.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0043] In the drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a vehicle anti-theft device in accordance with the invention, absent of a cover;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a first side elevation of the vehicle anti-theft device of Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show face-on side elevations of the vehicle anti-theft device with the actuator in different positions; and

[0047] Figure 4 shows a functional block diagram of the vehicle anti-theft device.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0049] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognise that many changes can be made to the embodiments described, while still attaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be attained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilising other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognise that modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not a limitation thereof.

[0050] In the Figures, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a vehicle anti-theft device in accordance with the invention. The vehicle anti-theft device 10 includes a secure housing 12 (only partially illustrated), preferably made from stainless steel, which is configured to be secured to an automatic transmission of an automatic vehicle in order to prevent vehicle theft by immobilising the vehicle. The housing 12 is therefore retrofittable to an automatic transmission casing. The vehicle anti-theft device 10 further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 22 and an actuator 24 (see Figure 4). The ECU 22 is drivingly connected to the actuator 24. The actuator 24 takes the form of a linear actuator 24 which has a telescopically extendable / retractable arm 24.1. The housing 12 defines an inner chamber within which the electronic control unit (ECU) 22 and actuator 24 are housed. The housing 12 has been designed to be tamperproof. A key feature of the invention is that the housing 12 of the vehicle antitheft device 10 is configured to be mounted directly to the automatic transmission casing over a gear selector shaft 16 to prevent unauthorised access to a gear selector lever 15 mounted to the shaft 16.

[0051] It will be appreciated that in this instance, gear selection of the automatic transmission is performed using in-cabin transmission selection controls, e.g. a gear selection lever (not shown) or similar controls which is mechanically connected to the gear selector lever 15 by way of a cable 17. Under normal operating conditions, gear selection by way of the in-cabin gear selection lever therefore results in pivotal displacement of the gear selector lever 15 due to mechanical action of the cable 17 which is attached to a distal end of the gear selector lever 15.

[0052] The housing 12 comprises a planar base plate 14 which is configured to be mounted to existing mounting formations of the automatic transmission casing using conventional fasteners such as bolts which pass through a plurality of holes in the base plate 14. The housing 12 further comprises a complementary cover (not shown) which is configured to be received over the base plate 14. The cover is securely lockable to the base plate 14 using a locking mechanism (not shown). The cover therefore prevents access to the fasteners which secure the base plate 14 to the transmission casing. Through use of the locking mechanism, the cover is removably secured over the base plate 14 using a lock (not shown). The housing 12 therefore serves to secure access to the gear selector lever 15 in a tamperproof manner.

[0053] As can be seen in the Figures, the actuator 24 is mounted to the base plate 14, adjacent to the gear selector lever 15, using suitable fasteners which pass through mounting holes in the base plate 14 such that the arm 24.1 of the actuator 24 is incident upon a rod of the gear selector lever 15 when at least partially extended. Furthermore, the electronic control unit 22 is configured to actuate the actuator 24, based upon a state of the vehicle anti-theft device 10, to control a position of the gear selector lever 15 thereby to control the automatic vehicle transmission and hence the vehicle itself.

[0054] To this end, the arm 24.1 of the actuator 24 is configured directly to engage the gear selector lever 15 in order to control a position of the gear selector lever 15. When in an extended position, a distal end of the arm 24.1 abuts the rod protruding from the gear selector lever 15. The distal end defines a concave cavity for seating against the rod. Furthermore, the actuator 24 is configured to apply a pushing force to the gear selector lever 15 to urge it into one of its positions / modes.

[0055] The base plate 14 has a circular opening 14.1 which enables mounting over the gear selector shaft 16 of the automatic transmission.

[0056] As is conventional, the automatic transmission includes the following transmission modes, namely, Park (P), Neutral (N), Reverse (R) and Drive (D) selected using conventional in-cabin transmission selection controls, e.g. the gear selection lever or similar controls.

[0057] As can be seen in Figures 3A to 3C, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 is configurable between a locked state (see Figure 3A), unlocked state (see Figure 3C) and a disengaged state (see Figure 3B). In its locked state, shown in Figure 3A, the actuator arm 24.1 is fully extended and abuts the gear selector lever 15 thereby holding it in its Park (P) position. It is a well-known fact that an automatic vehicle is rendered immobile when the gearbox is in Park. When in its unlocked state, shown in Figure 3C, the actuator arm 24.1 is retracted such that it is completely disconnected or spaced from the gear selector lever 15. Thus, in its unlocked state, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 permits unencumbered gear selection to take place through use of the conventional controls.

[0058] Finally, in its disengaged state (see Figure 3B), the actuator arm 24.1 is only partially retracted such that it permits movement of the gear selector lever 15 into its Neutral (N) position but inhibits movement of the lever into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) through continued pivotal displacement of the gear selector lever 15. Through movement of the actuator arm 24.1 to the different positions illustrated in Figures 3A to 3C, the anti-theft device 10 is configured to control selection of a transmission mode of the automatic transmission and hence prevent vehicle theft.

[0059] As can best be seen in Figure 4, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 includes communication modules which are configured wirelessly to communicate to a remote device 30. The communication modules include a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module 31 housed within the housing 12. The vehicle antitheft device 10 further includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) module 32. Furthermore, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 includes at least one accelerometer or gyroscope 33 housed within the housing 12. Also, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 includes a battery 34 housed inside the housing 12. Accordingly, the vehicle antitheft device 10 is remotely controllable.

[0060] When in its locked state, the ECU 22 activates the actuator 24 and extends the arm 24.1 into its extended position shown in Figure 3A. In so doing, the arm 24.1 engages and bears against the rod of the gear selector lever 15 and pushes the lever 15 from whichever position it was in, into its Park (P) position where the vehicle is held immobile. The vehicle anti-theft device 10 is configured only to enter its locked state provided that the vehicle is stationary or moving below a predetermined speed. When in its locked state, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 is configured to keep the automatic transmission in its Park (P) position / mode, irrespective of a position of the gear selection lever.

[0061] However, when in its unlocked state 42, the ECU 22 activates the actuator 24 in reverse to retract the arm 24.1 into the position shown in Figure 3C such that it is spaced away from the gear selector lever 15 which allows unencumbered freedom of movement of the gear selector lever in response to selections made using the incabin controls which are conveyed to the lever 15 via the cable 17. Accordingly, when in its unlocked state 42, the automatic vehicle transmission may be controlled to be in any of its Park, Drive, Reverse or Neutral positions / modes using the in-cabin gear selection lever.

[0062] Furthermore, when in its disengaged state, the ECU 22 activates the actuator 24 to extend partially to the Neutral (N) position of the transmission shown in Figure 3B. If, for example, the transmission was in Drive (D) or Reverse (R), activation of the disengaged state will result in the actuator arm 24.1 forcing or pushing the gear selector lever 15 out of Drive or Reverse into the Neutral position by pivotally displacing the gear selector lever 15. The actuator 24 is configured to bear against the gear selector lever 15 to keep the automatic transmission in its Neutral (N) position / mode whilst the device is in its disengaged state.

[0063] Operation of the vehicle anti-theft device 10 will now be described. Assuming the vehicle anti-theft device 10 is unlocked, the device 10 is configured to detect vehicle ignition shut-off and in response thereto automatically to alter the state of the antitheft device 10 to its “Locked” state. As mentioned above, when in its locked state, the actuator arm 24.1 extends to its extended position and forces the gear selector lever 15 into its Park (P) position, irrespective of gear selection lever positions selected by a driver. Consequently, due to engagement of a park gear when the transmission is in Park, the vehicle is effectively immobilised and cannot be driven off. The anti-theft device 10 maintains the vehicle in this theft-proof condition until a legitimate unlock signal is received from the remote device 30. Upon receipt of the unlock signal, the state of the device 10 changes to “Unlocked”, where the actuator arm 24.1 is completely retracted, which allows unencumbered movement of the gear selection lever 15.

[0064] However, should unauthorised use of the vehicle be detected by the anti-theft device 10, the state of the device 10 may be changed remotely or automatically to “Disengaged”. As explained before, in this state, the actuator arm 24.1 moves the gear selection lever 15 into its Neutral position and keeps it there. Then, if the vehicle anti-theft device 10 detects vehicle speed below a predetermined threshold, e.g. 3km / hr, the state of the device 10 is automatically changed to “Locked” and the actuator 24 moves the lever 15 into Park mode until a valid unlock signal is received by the anti-theft device 10.

[0065] It will be appreciated that the owner of the vehicle will possess a remote control to control operation of the vehicle anti-theft device 10 i.e. , lock and unlock the device 10 or disengage the transmission. The device 10 may also be controlled remotely using a mobile application or other remote control means. Should a valid lock signal be received by the anti-theft device 10, the state of the device 10 will be changed to “Locked” and the transmission will be kept in its Park (P) position. If the vehicle is in motion when the lock signal is received, the transmission will be moved into Park (P) only once the vehicle speed is reduced to below a predetermined threshold.

[0066] In this manner, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 is configured to control vehicle transmission mode and gear selection depending on the state of the vehicle antitheft device 10 and thus prevent vehicle theft by retaining the transmission in Park where the vehicle is immobile.

[0067] If the vehicle is hi-jacked, for example, the anti-theft device may be configured to detect the unauthorised use of the vehicle and hence disengage the transmission by moving into its disengaged state where the transmission is in Neutral. All drive to the wheels will therefore be disconnected. Following disengagement, the anti-theft device 10 will automatically move the transmission into its Park mode as soon as conditions are favourable to do so, to immobilise the vehicle completely. Unauthorised use may also be reported to a control room following which the antitheft device 10 may be remotely moved into its disengaged state. Prior to moving the anti-theft device 10 to its disengaged state, the device 10 may be configured to warn a driver of imminent deactivation of drive to the wheels by sounding a siren or alarm. Preferably, an audible pre-recorded voice message will be played to the driver prior to entering the disengaged state, warning them of imminent deactivation of drive to the wheels through forcible movement of the transmission into its Neutral (N) position by the actuator arm.

[0068] The Applicant believes that the vehicle anti-theft device 10 in accordance with the invention provides an effective solution to counter vehicle theft by enabling effective control of an automatic vehicle transmission to prevent theft thereof depending on a state of the anti-theft device. The Applicant believes that this invention is more cost effective than current retrofit anti-theft devices which necessitate installation of a separate locking gear and locking member to immobilise the vehicle. Due to it being mounted directly to the automatic transmission of the vehicle in the securely lockable housing 12, the vehicle anti-theft device 10 thus prevents unauthorised access to the mounting or fixation points of the housing, to the ECU 22, the actuator 24 and to the gear selection lever 15 of the automatic transmission. The anti-theft device 10 is configured to inhibit movement of the gear selector lever 15, depending on a state of the device, using a physical inhibiting device in order to prevent theft of the vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vehicle anti-theft device (10) comprising a secure housing (12) configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the housing (12) containing an electronic control unit (ECU) (22) and an actuator (24) controlled by the ECU (22), characterised in that the secure housing (12) is configured to be mounted to an automatic transmission casing of the vehicle, proximate an external gear selector lever (15) of the automatic transmission; and the ECU (22) is configured to control the actuator (24) such that a part (24.1 ) of the actuator physically engages and moves the gear selector lever (15) to control a position thereof.

2. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the actuator (24) is a linear actuator comprising an extendable / retractable arm (24.1 ).

3. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the ECU (22) is configurable to a locked state in which the actuator (24) moves the part (24.1 ) to an extended position to move and retain the gear selector lever (15) in a Park (P) position.

4. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to claim 3, characterised in that the ECU (22) is configured to automatically place the vehicle anti-theft device (10) into the locked state upon detection that an ignition of the vehicle has been turned off.

5. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ECU (22) is configurable to an unlocked state in which the actuator (24) moves the part (24.1 ) to a retracted position to disengage from the gear selector lever (15), thereby permitting unencumbered movement of the gear selector lever (15).

6. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ECU (22) is configurable to a disengaged state in which the actuator (24) moves the part (24.1 ) to an intermediate position to move and retain the gear selector lever (15) in a Neutral (N) position.

7. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to claims 3 and 6, characterised in that the ECU (22) is configured to automatically transition the vehicle anti-theft device (10) from the disengaged state to the locked state only upon detection that a speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined threshold.

8. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secure housing (12) comprises a base plate (14) configured for mounting to the automatic transmission casing, and a cover configured to be securely lockable over the base plate (14) to prevent access to fasteners securing the base plate (14).

9. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to claim 8, characterised in that the base plate (14) defines an opening (14.1 ) configured to receive a gear selector shaft (16) of the automatic transmission, such that the housing (12) is mounted over the gear selector shaft (16).

10. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secure housing (12) further houses: a communication module configured for wireless communication with a remote device (30), the communication module being a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module (31 ); and a Global Positioning System (GPS) module (32).

11. The vehicle anti-theft device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secure housing (12) further houses at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope (33) for detecting movement of the vehicle.

12. A method of preventing theft of a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission having an external gear selector lever (15), the method including: providing an anti-theft device (10) comprising a secure housing (12) containing an electronic control unit (ECU) (22) and an actuator (24); characterised by mounting the secure housing (12) to a casing of the automatic transmission, proximate the gear selector lever (15); and controlling, via the ECU (22), the actuator (24) to physically engage and move the gear selector lever (15) to control a position thereof.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterised in that it comprises the step of controlling the actuator (24) to move the gear selector lever (15) into a Neutral (N) position to disengage the automatic transmission upon detection of an unauthorised use of the vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterised in that it includes, prior to controlling the actuator (24) to move the gear selector lever (15) into the Neutral (N) position, issuing an audible warning to a driver of the vehicle warning that the vehicleis about to be disabled to enable the driver to take steps to ensure safety of the vehicle, before drive to the wheels is disconnected.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterised in that the audible warning is in the form of a pre-recorded voice message informing the driver of imminent deactivation of the vehicle.

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