Abstract: A vehicle security system uses a local cellular phone handset or other type of phone station and components of a conventional car alarm apparatus to call a remote phone station upon detection of an unauthorized entry. The system also responds to the ringing of the phone handset and disables the vehicle by cutting the electrical supply to the engine. The system can be used in a variety of settings to respond to an emergency condition and to remotely deactivate other types of electromechanical device.