Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing theft or unauthorized use of an article such as a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes an exposed electrically conductive element, at least one exposed electrically conductive touch pole and a control mechanism which prevents normal operation of the article unless electrical communication has been established between the exposed conductive element and the touch pole. In a preferred embodiment of the invention for preventing theft or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the conductive element and at least one touch pole are provided within the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, and to properly activate the ignition system of the motor vehicle to an operable state the operator must touch the conductive element and while maintaining contact with the conductive element, then touch the touch pole or each of the touch poles if a plurality of such touch poles are provided.