SECURE LOCKING DEVICE

The invention relates to a locking device (10) for locking and/or unlocking a functionally essential component of a vehicle, comprising a housing (12), which in particular serves to fasten the locking device (10) to the component, wherein the housing (12) in particular has a first housing part (12a) and a second housing part (12b), a movable locking member (11), which is movably mounted between at least two positions, namely a locking position (Ia), in which the locking member (11) protrudes from the housing (12) through an opening (13) and is in an operative connection with the component, and an unlocking position (Ib), in which the locking member (11) is detached from the component, and a locking element (14), which is movably mounted between at least two positions, namely a locking position (IIa), in which the locking element (14) locks the locking member (11) in the locking position (Ia) when the locking device (10) is opened without authorization, and a release position (IIb), in which the locking element (14) is detached from the locking member (11) when the locking device (10) is used properly. For this purpose, it is provided according to the invention that the locking element (14) is held in the locking position (IIa) by form-fit and/or force-fit.