Van security is a crucial issue for both large and small. A burglary or theft can result in major effects, sometimes resulting in thousands of dollars of productivity or tools lost. We’ve created this guide on van security to reduce the chance of the worst occurring.
We’ve spoken with industry experts and talked to Van owners in forums, to provide this article, which outlines out ways you can safeguard your van as well as the items inside it whether it’s goods tools or equipment.
Do you think van theft is a major issue?
The latest research suggests that van theft increased by 81 percent between 2015 and the year 2019, and in 2030, the number is predicted to increase by a third. Therefore van theft is an important problem.
In addition According to research conducted from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than 25% of van drivers (27 percent) were victims of theft of tools during the twelve months of leasing until September 2021 according to a recent study from Logistics UK reveals that more than three-quarters of British companies were victimized by van theft in the year 2020.
What are the things that need to be protected in the context of van security?
It’s obvious that there are two major aspects to think about in the context of van security: the van itself being stolen as well as the contents of the van. We’ve divided the guide into two sections:
• Preventing theft of entire van
> Preventing theft of contents of the van
A few of these measures to prevent theft will cost nothing. And similarly, the most modern vans have some innovative strategies included. If you’re serious about security for your van, and want to ensure your van is secure, then you must be willing to spend some cash.
Van security: preventing the theft of the van in its entirety
Are you concerned about your vehicle being stolen? Consider these top suggestions.
1. Keep track of the keys
We’ll look at other van security locks and other upgrades later but the simplest method of stealing vans is to steal the key. Therefore, make sure to are aware of where the van’s key is always.
Keyless entry and keyless starting to become more common for commercial cars, now you should also think about’relay attacks’. They use an electronic device to extend the range of radio signal that goes from your vehicle to the key and allow thieves to get inside and drive the vehicle while the key is at home – or in your in your pocket.
A reasonably inexpensive faraday bag or key box is a great solution to this problem.
2. Old-fashioned physical deterrents remain efficient
Physical devices for preventing theft, such as pedal locks, steering-wheel locks, and gearlever locks all referred to as clamps, may appear like they’ve come out of the 1990s, but they’re effective in preventing van theft. You could even put in the wheel lock of your choice.
Get the top quality it is possible to purchase, and make sure that they’re approved by Thatcham, and at a minimum, they will deter criminals from committing crimes and could alter the risk-to-reward ratio in favor or not bothering your van in the first place. The experts from TVL Security say their PedalBox (below) is an authentic belt and braces method and say that it hasn’t been defeated.
Make sure you utilize these additional locks, however. Nothing can be more damaging than your vehicle being lost due to the fact that your Disklok was on the seat of the driver instead of attached with the wheel.
Contact secured-van.co.uk for van security lock installation.
3. Install upgraded alarms and immobilisers
Certain vans are equipped with factory-installed alarms, whereas others do not – however, you can make it more difficult for thieves by installing a premium aftermarket system, as it increases the difficulty to getting your van stolen.
Find systems that are certified by Thatcham and for installers who have been reviewed with respect by van owners who have other vans. Request the quality of their the previous work. Remember that alarms only alert the person to a burglary It’s the immobiliser that stops the van from getting started, so you shouldn’t compromise on this area.
4. Consider parking your car, and plan for CCTV and your home security
Park your vehicle in a place that is well-lit and where lots of people will be able to be able to see it, will make potential thieves take a second look. Place it in the clear view of an CCTV camera or even more sophisticated criminals might reconsider their strategies.
Certain van owners with savvy make use of the latest alarms for homes that are wireless. In addition to standalone wireless alarms like the Vanmate described below, you can also install contact sensors and wireless cameras in your van. They can be connected to your home alarm whenever you park your vehicle nearby.
If the sound of a loud alarming the whole home doesn’t deter a potential burglar, we’re not sure which one will. Also, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to sleep through the sound of it.
5. Make use of all the technology available or fit an electronic tracker
A GPS-based tracking device can’t stop the van from being stolen however it can aid in getting it back once more. They range from basic cheap passive devices, to subscription-based full services. Consider the latter in the event that you are able to. They should be installed correctly, too. Tracker is the most popular brand name, however there are many others.
As vans are getting more and equipped with connectivity and connectivity, many modern vans come with a smartphone app with the GPS location system. So ensure that the app you have is installed and activated on your phone.
Van security: stopping the the loss of the contents in your van
From power tools to lockpicks broken windows to “peel and steal” attacks criminals that only want the contents of the outside of the van are faced with a daunting variety of possibilities. What can you do to safeguard your home and defend yourself.
1. Change the locks
There are readily available lockpicking devices that can take on the majority of standard van locks fitted by manufacturers and so switching them to tougher-to-break aftermarket van lock like that fitted by a dealer RepLock to Ford Transits is a simple decision. However, that’s only the beginning point.
Furthermore, you can also arm the areas around locks to stop drilling attacks. The van door safety plates are designed to deal with specific vulnerabilities to the model, like van wiring loom security guards. Additionally, you can install various types of locks. Most commonly, upgrades include deadlocks and slam locks, nowadays, more and more accessible with hook locks.
Locks that are triggered by a Slam lock automatically secure your van every time you close the doors, which means you don’t need to think about it. Deadlocks are more difficult to select as they don’t feature spring mechanisms. Whatever type you choose, search for locks that are certified by Thatcham, because they could lower your insurance costs if they are fitted.
We recommend professional installation and cautious installation. Hook lock locks when placed in the correct places will keep thieves from opening the doors’ upper parts with the thin metals found on modern vans are prone to be used to gain access.
There are some who suggest that having excessive security can increase the interest of criminals in the things you’re trying to protect inside. If you’re really trying to protect yourself from burglars You could think about something similar to the Security ArmourShell from TVL with interlocking components that are ‘invulnerable to force’.
2. Secure your valuables
The only method to ensure that something isn’t taken from your van is to ensure that you do not put it in the van. However, this may not be feasible, especially with regard to tools and equipment that you are constantly making use of. Consider adding an additional layer of security for your van’s tool security.
The options can vary from an on-board van security system that locks – like locks-able tool boxes or small van safes, which are also called tools vaults (Van Vault is among the most well-known brands) and even a full vehicle security cage. With the use of internal locks and additional metal work, it’s as if you have a van in your vehicle.
Another option to avoid is a dashcam which records both indoors and outdoors. However, it can only be useful in the event that it wirelessly transmits video to the cloud using wireless Wi-Fi on mobile devices. In the end, it’ll not be useful if footage of the criminals is taken and resold along with everything else.
Similar to all other things, don’t think that these tools will give you 100% protection against theft. They will, however, slow criminals down, and could provide you with the opportunity to notify the police, or even cause the thieves to abandon their pursuit completely.
3. Stop smashing and grabbing van theft
If your vehicle is left without supervision in a quiet location potential thieves could attempt to smash windows in order to gain access to the inside. The cost-effective window film could make this even difficult by securing the broken glass and stopping it from breaking into pieces. The best alternatives are on the outside and inside.
If you aren’t able to use them to prove that you that there’s nothing in the vehicle vans that have windows in the rear should be avoided completely due to the following reasons. A well-constructed, secured bulkhead can block access to the loading area through a damaged window inside the cabin.
Also , consider deactivating any buttons on the cab that allow access to the loading area without having a key. Numerous van manufacturers have issued software updates specifically for this problem, so be sure your van’s software is the most recent version. Also, as mentioned earlier an faraday pouch or box can stop relay attacks that take advantages of entry devices that are keyless.
There’s no harm in having a ‘no tool is stored in this car stickers if you’ve not already got one.
4. Keep your cat safe how to secure your items outside your vehicle to prevent the theft
Catalytic converter thefts are increasing due to the precious metals which cleans the emissions of your vehicle can be worth quite a bit of cash (making the replacement cost expensive also). The pickups, and particularly vans, are especially vulnerable to this type of theft because they have a greater ground clearance than standard vehicles, making it easier to access the underside.
These cat-locks and clamps work to stop this type of crime. Even though they may appear to cost as much as the item they’re trying to protect Don’t forget the negative impact on your business when you’re unable to access your vehicle because the catalytic converter was taken.
Other anti-theft measures you can think about include ladder clamp locks locking pipe carriers , and locking wheel nuts. In many vans, the spare tire is accessible beneath the van, therefore the need for a spare wheel lock an essential item. By securing these items, you are protecting your business.
5. Be aware of how you park, and in which area.
In addition to the theft of the entire van, the location you park makes an enormous difference in the vulnerability of your van to being targeted by thieves for content. For instance, a popular suggestion from other drivers of vans is to park near walls or other obstacles that can stop potential thieves from being able to access vulnerable areas inside the van. If they are unable to get into the van because of too close to another object, they might not be able to gain entry inside even.
If this is not feasible opt for brightly lit areas that are crowded enough to make burglaries dangerous. Check for CCTV cameras, and attempt to park them in their view or set up your own, possibly connecting to your home alarm or security systems.
Van security: a brief summary
The most important thing to remember about van security is how you can make use of it.
From not forgetting that you must lock your van, to engaging the alarm or immobiliser systems If you’ve gone through the effort of getting additional security features fitted to your van, make sure you and your passengers are aware of the system and make it part of your routine each time you step far from your vehicle.