Smart Vehicle Theft Detection and Remote Engine Locking System Using IoT

Vehicle theft has become a serious issue in both urban and rural regions, especially with the rapid increase in the number of vehicles. Traditional security systems such as mechanical locks, alarms, and central locking mechanisms provide only basic protection and often fail to prevent theft effectively. In many cases, these systems only alert nearby people and do not allow the owner to monitor or control the vehicle remotely. To address these limitations, this research proposes an IoT-based vehicle theft detection and remote engine locking system. The system uses an ESP32 microcontroller along with sensors to monitor the vehicle’s condition and detect unauthorized access or movement. Once suspicious activity is detected, the system immediately sends a notification to the vehicle owner through the Telegram messaging platform. The owner can then remotely lock the vehicle engine using a command through the Telegram bot. The proposed system also integrates GPS technology to provide real-time location information of the vehicle. By combining tracking, remote monitoring, and engine immobilization features, the system offers a more reliable and efficient solution for preventing vehicle theft. The implementation demonstrates that IoT-based communication can significantly improve vehicle security while remaining cost-effective and user friendly.