Van security is an essential issue for both large and small. A burglary or theft can result in major impacts, usually involving thousands of dollars in productivity or tools lost. We’ve created this guide on van security to minimize the risk of what could be the most devastating incident happening.
We’ve spoken with industry experts and heard from Van owners in forums, to present this comprehensive guide that rounds out ways you can safeguard your vehicle and the items inside it including your belongings tools, equipment or even tools.
Are van thefts a real issue?
The latest research suggests that van theft increased by 81 percent between 2015 and the year 2019, and in 2030, the number is expected to double. Therefore van theft is an important problem.
In addition According to research conducted from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than one quarter of drivers of vans (27 percent) were victims of theft of tools during the period of 12 months lease until September 2021 and a report released by Logistics UK reveals that more than three-quarters of British companies were robbed of their vans in the year 2020.
What are the things that need to be protected in the context of van security?
It’s likely obvious that there are two major aspects to think about in the context of van security: the van itself being stolen and the theft of the contents of the van. We’ve divided this guide into twoparts:
• Preventing theft of the entire van
• Preventing the theft of the contents of the van
A few of these measures to prevent theft will cost nothing. And also, the latest vans are equipped with some smart techniques that are built-in. If you’re serious about securing your van you should be prepared to invest some cash.
Van security: preventing the theft of the van in its entirety
Are you concerned about your van being taken? Check out these van security lock installation tips.
1. Make sure you keep 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. Make sure you are aware of where your van’s key is always.
Keyless entry and keyless starting to become more common on commercial vehicles you must also consider’relay attacks’. These are attacks that use electronic devices to increase the range of the signals wirelessly transmitted from vehicle to the key which allows thieves to gain access and drive the vehicle while the key is inside your home or inside your pocket.
A reasonably inexpensive faraday bag or keybox is the best solution to this problem.
2. Old-fashioned physical deterrents remain useful
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 been relegated to the 1990s, yet they’re effective at deterring van theft. You could even put in an individual wheel clamp.
Purchase the highest quality product it is possible to purchase, and make sure that they’re approved by Thatcham, and at a minimum, these can slow down the criminals and could alter the risk-to-reward ratio in favor that they don’t bother your van in the first place. The experts of TVL Security say their PedalBox (below) is an authentic “belt and braces” method, and say that it hasn’t been defeated.
Do not forget to make use of 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 being connected on the steering wheel.
3. Install new alarms and immobilisers.
Some vans have factory-fitted alarms, while others don’t however, you can make it more difficult for thieves by installing a top-quality aftermarket alarm, which increases the complexity to taking your vehicle.
Find systems that are certified by Thatcham and installers that have been evaluated with respect by van owners who have other vans. Request the quality of their the previous work. Remember that alarms only alert you to an armed robbery It’s the immobiliser that blocks the van from beginning, so don’t cut corners on this area.
4. Make a plan for parking, think about CCTV and your home security
The location of your vehicle brightly lit area where lots of people are able to observe it can make potential thieves take a second look. You can park it in front of the CCTV camera and even more skilled criminals could reconsider their strategy.
Many van owners who are smart benefit from the latest alarms for homes that are wireless. Alongside standalone wireless alarms like the Vanmate that is described below, you can also install contact sensors and wireless cameras on your van . These sensors can be connected to your home alarm whenever your van is in close proximity.
If announcing the alarm to the entire home doesn’t deter a potential criminal, we’re not certain what else 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 and/or install the tracker
The GPS tracking device will not stop the van from being stolen however it can aid in getting it back time and time. The options range from simple cheap passive devices, to subscription-based services. Choose the latter option when you can. They should be installed correctly, too. Tracker is the most popular brand name, however there are many others.
As vans gain connected and connectivity, many modern vans have an app for smartphones with the GPS location system. Therefore, ensure that whatever you already have is installed and activated on your phone.
Van security: Preventing the loss of the contents of your van
From power tools to lockpicks and smashed windows, as well as “peel and steal” attacks criminals that only want the contents of the outside of the van are faced with a daunting range of possibilities. Here’s how to safeguard your home and defend yourself.
1. Change the locks
There are readily available lockpicking tools that can be used to pick most standard van locks fitted by manufacturers which is why swapping them for more difficult-to-break aftermarket van locks like those fitted by dealers – like the RepLock to Ford Transits is an easy decision. However, that’s only the beginning point.
Furthermore, you can also arm the lock’s areas to protect against drilling attacks. The van door safety plates address particular model weaknesses, and so do van wiring loom security guards. You can also install different types of locks. Most commonly, upgrades include deadlocks and slam locks which are now more often equipped with hook locks.
The locks of Slam automatically close the van once you shut the doors which means you don’t need to think about it. Deadlocks are more difficult to choose since they don’t feature spring mechanisms. Whatever type you choose, search for locks that have been approved by Thatcham since they can reduce the cost of insurance if they are fitted.
We suggest professional installation and cautious installation. Hook lock catch catches placed located in the right places can stop thieves from ‘peeling’ 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 the presence of security in a visible way could attract criminals to the things you’re trying to protect inside. However, if you truly need to guard against burglars You could think about something similar to the Security ArmourShell from TVL with interlocking parts which ‘cannot be snatched apart’.
2. Guard your valuables
The only method to ensure that something isn’t taken from your van is to make sure you don’t put it in the van. However, this may not be feasible, especially in the case of tools and equipment that you are constantly making use of. Consider adding an additional layer of security for your van’s tool security.
This can be as simple as an on-board van security system like locking tool boxes, as well as small van safes called tools vaults (Van Vault is among the most well-known brands) as well as a complete Van security cage. With the use of internal locks and additional metal work, it’s similar to having a van inside the vehicle.
Another option to avoid is a dashcam which records both indoors and outdoors. It can only be useful when it transmits wireless video to the cloud through wireless Wi-Fi on mobile devices. In the end, it’ll be ineffective if the video of the criminals is stolen along with other data.
Like all other things, don’t think that these tools will give you 100% protection against theft. However, they can slow criminals, which could provide you with an opportunity to call the police or force the thieves to abandon their pursuit completely.
3. Avoid smash and grab van theft
If your vehicle is left alone in a peaceful area potential thieves could attempt to smash windows in order to gain access into the interior. Window protection films that aren’t expensive could make this even difficult by securing the broken glass and preventing it from splintering into pieces. The most effective solutions are for 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 at the rear should be avoided completely because of the following reasons. A properly-installed, solid bulkhead prevents easy access to the loading area through a damaged window inside the cabin.
Also , consider turning off any buttons within the cab which allow you to unlock the loading area without having a key. A lot of van makers have released software updates specifically for this problem, so be sure that your vehicle is running the most recent version. Also, as mentioned earlier an faraday box or pouch is a good idea to protect against relay attacks by taking benefit of systems that allow keyless access.
There’s no harm in having a ‘no tool is stored in this car sticker, if you haven’t had one before.
4. Keep your cat safe how to secure your items that are on the outside of your van to protect against the theft
Catalytic converter thefts are increasing due to the precious metals which cleans the emissions of your vehicle can be worth a significant amount of cash (making them costly to replace as well). Pickups and vans are at risk of this type of theft because they have a more ground clearance than normal vehicles, which makes it easier to access the underside.
These cat-locks and clamps work to stop this type of crime. And although they can cost as much as the things they’re trying save be aware of the effect on your business when you are unable to use your van due to the catalytic converter was taken.
Other measures outside of anti-theft to 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 essential. Making sure these are secured is a way to protect your business.
5. Be aware of how you park, and in which area.
In addition to the theft of your entire van, the place you park makes huge difference in how susceptible your van is to theft of content. For instance, a popular advice from other van drivers is to park in close proximity to walls or other obstacles that can stop potential thieves from having access to the vulnerable areas inside the van. If they’re unable to access the door because they’re too close to another object, they might not be able into the van even.
If this is not feasible opt for brightly lit areas that are bustling enough to make burglaries difficult. Check for CCTV cameras, and then park them in their view or set up your own cameras, possibly linking to your home alarm or security systems.
Van security: a summary
The most important thing to remember about van security is that you make use of it.
From making sure that you must lock your van, to initiating alarms and the immobiliser systems when you’ve gone to 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 every time you step off the road.
