I have lost a few...and found the same ebay source. It takes about ten minutes to replace them. I am good at it now. I don't worry about it too much. I don't want the thief to occupy my thoughts.

 

When people steal the leaper, does the base get left behind? I'm just curious. I went ahead and removed the one from my 01 that I'm parting out ASAP since some moron would love to have that as a trophy. I think if someone was ready to drill a little bit, a small momentary switch could be rigged in there. My biggest concern after that would be that it would probably need to be a weatherproof switch. Btw, anyone who's looking, I have one for sale just make an offer i can't refuse! fwiw, my biggest fear is getting my antenna mast broken, stolen. It's happened 3 times in the past 2 years!

 

Mine came without the leaper and took me months to decide if I should fit one...they look great on the X308's Weighed up the pros and cons and brought an eBay one in black chrome (black car) And I love it and am always relieved to see it still there when I return.Guess I am saying I worry about some moron stealing it.And bonnet damage as it IS bolted through the bonnet.(legal here) If I was hit by a car at 60-100 kilometres an hour not sure if would care that the bonnet mascot got caught in my ****!

 

I would like to have a camera flash go off from inside the car --- continuously for a minute, and upload the photos to the web so I can at least see what kind of lowlife would do a thing like that!

 

LOL

I doubt very much that pedestrians have actually been injured/impaled by the Leaper or any hood ornament. However, in Europe that is the reason they have been phased out & here in the USA they are going away as well. Over enthusiastic, regulatory busy bodies, IMO. It s/b a manufacturer decision. I do like the idea of having a choice though. Then whether you just don't like the look or you are concerned about theft, you can opt to have a flush badge instead.

 

Does anyone take theirs off if they leave it in a sketchy neighborhood or parking garage or something? I've thought about just throwing it in the center console till i get back

 

I just came back from a cruise to Cozumel and found my leaper (and entire '95 jag XJ6) to be in tact while left at a dirt parking lot in the port of Tampa. I lost a $5 dollar bet to my daughter and was glad to pay. She evidently has a better opinion of the public than I. I was surprised, and thankful.

Jag leapers are rare and I imagine the damage to the hood could be extensive. In general, I try not to leave the car in such places.

 

Brilliant! What do you think a vandal will then do to your car?

Park in better neighborhoods is the only solution to this.