In the old days, before cars were computer systems, thieves could still steal cars by hotwiring them - as I understand, the key ignition was basically a lock where if you turn the key then wire A connects to wire B (and if you turn it even further into "starter" position then wire C is somehow involved too) and a competent thief could easily strip out the lock assembly and just connect the wires with a jumper cable. Plus ca change.

In said old days, my late grandfather had a steering wheel lock, basically a giant padlock with a metal bar attached and the whole thing painted yellow. I assume that would work just as well in today's electronic days.