Interesting thread!
Not two weeks ago I started to wonder how safe my car is from theft since she has to sleep outside now that my GF's '01 gets the garage..
I don't worry about anyone cloning my remote signal since I always lock/unlock manually (
sidebar: a shop that used to be on the trusted mechanic's list once told me not to do that since "they're not made for constant use" --after 12 years, I'm not concerned).
My best, most devious thought as to how to swipe a MK4 would be to duck under the bumper, cut the alarm horn wire(s), bust the window, release the brake, pull it onto a flatbed...
An ignition cutout switch won't help that.
Not worried about an immo hack in the wild, but once the car is in the thief's shed, it's over.
All that said, I fall into the camp that thinks MK4 thefts especially manuals, must be pretty rare. And I refuse to believe there's a chop shop market for these lol.
Car break-ins in my neighborhood have become pretty common, they kind of come in waves it seems. I've only been parking in the elements since August.
As for straight break-ins, so far, that beautiful little red flasher on the driver's door has some special magic...I hope it lasts!