Compact anti-theft device for vehicles

An anti-theft device for a vehicle comprising a structure including a bolt movable in a rectilinear path for locking engagement with an element of the vehicle necessary for the operation of that vehicle, an electrical switch means including a switch member rotatable about a first axis and a cylindrical lock including an operating element rotatable about a second axis different than said first axis, each of said first and second axes being different than said path, a connection between said rotatable element and said bolt to move said bolt in a locking and unlocking direction along said path as said lock is operated and a connection between said rotatable element and said rotary switch means to operate said switch means upon operation of said lock, said connection between said switch means and said lock including gears, said switch and said bolt overlapping each other along said second axis whereby the overall length of said structure, measured along said second axis is lesser than that of an existing structure in which said bolt and said switch are not so overlapped.