Abstract: A lock and hold-down device to surround the top and sides of a battery in a motor vehicle to prevent the unauthorized removal of said battery. The lock and hold-down device includes a pair of identical brackets which are located at opposite sides of the battery and a crossbar which extends across the top of the battery between the side brackets. First ends of the side brackets are secured to a battery plate underneath the battery, and opposite ends of the side brackets have slots formed therein through which to receive the crossbar. One end of the crossbar is bent, and the opposite end of the crossbar is interconnected with a padlock so that the crossbar cannot be removed from the side brackets. A pair of manually adjustable fasteners are moved through holes in the crossbar and into engagement with respective top plates which underlie the crossbar. Accordingly, a downward force is applied to the battery to minimize displacement thereof as the vehicle is driven over a rough or bumpy terrain.