Van security is a crucial issue for both large and small. A burglary or theft could have serious effects, sometimes resulting in thousands of dollars of productivity or tools lost. We’ve created this guide to van security to minimize the risk of the worst occurring.
We’ve talked to experts in the field and heard from forum members of vans to present this article, which outlines out ways you can safeguard your van as well as the items inside it including your belongings tools or equipment.
Are van thefts a real issue?
The latest research suggests that van theft increased by 81 percent between 2015 and 2019, and in 2030, the number is expected to double. Therefore van theft is an important problem.
Furthermore according to research of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than one quarter of drivers of vans (27 percent) had tools stolen during the twelve months of leasing until September 2021 and a report released by 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. This is why we’ve split this guide into twoparts:
• Preventing theft of entire van
• Preventing the theft of the contents of the van
A few of these preventative measures cost nothing. And similarly, the most modern vans have some innovative techniques included. If you’re serious about securing your van you should be prepared to invest some cash.
Van security: preventing the theft of the entire van
Are you worried about your entire van being taken? Consider these top suggestions.
1. Make sure you keep the keys
We’ll look at additional security locks for vans 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 and more prevalent 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 and allow thieves to get inside and begin the van even if the key is inside your home or in your pocket.
A fairly inexpensive faraday pouch or key box is a great solution to this problem.
2. Old-fashioned physical deterrents remain useful
Physical security devices like 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.
Get the top quality it is possible to purchase, and make sure they’re certified by Thatcham. at a minimum, these will deter criminals from committing crimes possibly skewing the risk-to-reward ratio in favor or not bothering your vehicle at all. 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 utilize these additional locks, but. Nothing is more painful than the van disappearing as a result of the Disklok was on the seat of the driver instead of attached on the steering wheel.
3. Install new alarms and immobilisers.
Some vans have factory-fitted alarms, whereas others do not – but you can still help criminals by installing a top-quality aftermarket system, as it will add another layer of difficulty to getting your van stolen.
Search for systems that have been approved by Thatcham. Also, look installers that have been evaluated thoroughly by van owners who have other vans. Request the quality of their prior work. Remember that alarms only alert the person to a burglary and it’s the immobiliser which blocks the van from beginning, so don’t cut corners on this aspect.
4. Make a plan for parking, think about CCTV and your home security
Park your vehicle in a brightly lit area where lots of people are able to be able to see it, will make potential thieves take a second look. Place it in the clear view 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, contact sensors and wireless cameras on your van . These sensors can be connected to the house alarm when you park your vehicle nearby.
If the sound of a loud alarming the whole home doesn’t deter a possible burglar, we’re not sure what else will. Also, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to sleep through the sound of it.
5. Utilize all available technology and/or install an electronic tracker
The GPS tracking device will not prevent the van from being taken but it might assist you in obtaining it once more. The options range from simple low-cost devices to subscription-based full services. Consider the latter when you can. They must be set up correctly, too. Tracker is the most popular brand name, however there are other brands too.
As vans are getting more and connected Many modern vans have an app for smartphones which includes an GPS location system. Therefore, ensure that whatever you already have is downloaded and active on your phone.
Van security: stopping the the theft of the contents in your van
From power tools to lockpicks broken windows to “peel and steal” assaults criminals who are only after the contents of the outside of the van are faced with a daunting variety of choices. What can you do to safeguard your home and defend yourself.
1. Change the locks
There are lockpicking devices that can take on the majority of regular van locks that are fitted by manufacturers which is why swapping them for tougher-to-break aftermarket van lock like those fitted by dealers – like the RepLock used on Ford Transits is a simple 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. Additionally, you can install various types of locks. The most popular upgrades are deadlocks and slam locks, which are now more often accessible with hook locks.
Locks that are triggered by a Slam lock automatically secure the van once you shut the doors therefore you won’t have 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 lower your insurance costs if installed.
We suggest professional van security lock installation. Hook lock catch catches placed located in the right places can keep thieves from opening the door’s upper panels, with the thin metals found on modern vans are prone to be used to gain access.
Some believe that excessive security can increase the interest of criminals in what you’re trying protect inside. However, if you truly need to guard against burglars You could think about something similar to The TVL Security ArmourShell with interlocking components which ‘cannot be snatched apart’.
2. Secure your valuables
The only method to avoid having something 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 the tools and equipment you’re always making use of. You should instead consider adding an additional layer of protection for your van’s tool security.
The options can vary from an on-board security box for your van like locks-able tool boxes or small van safes, which are also called Tool vaults (Van Vault is among the most well-known brands) as well as a complete Van security cage. With internal locks as well as additional metal work, it’s similar to having a van inside your vehicle.
Another option to avoid is a dashcam, which can record both indoors and outdoors. It is only useful when it transmits wireless 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.
Like all other things, don’t think that these tools will give you 100% protection against theft. However, they can slow criminals, which could allow you or other passers-by 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 alone in a peaceful area criminals could attempt to smash a window to gain entry into the interior. Window protection films that aren’t expensive could make this even harder by keeping the broken glass and stopping it from breaking into pieces. The best alternatives are on the outside and inside.
Except for the possibility of using them to demonstrate 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 properly-installed, solid bulkhead can block access to the loading space from broken windows inside the cabin.
Also , consider turning off any buttons within the cab which allow you to unlock the load compartment 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 the faraday box or pouch is a good idea to stop relay attacks that take advantages of entry devices that are keyless.
It’s also not a bad idea having a ‘no tool is stored in this car sticker, if you haven’t already got one.
4. Protecting your cat – how do you secure things outside your van to protect against the theft
The theft of catalytic converters is 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). Pickups and vans are at risk of this type of theft due to their more ground clearance than normal vehicles, making it easier to access the underside.
These cat-locks and clamps work to stop this type of crime. And although they can be just as costly as the things they’re trying to protect Don’t forget the negative impact on your business’s performance if 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 lock pipe carriers that are locked and wheel nuts. On many vans , the spare tyre can be easily located underneath the van, which is why having a spare wheel lock is an essential item. By securing these items, you are protecting your business.
5. Pay attention to the way you park and where.
In addition to the theft of your entire van, the location you park makes an enormous difference in how susceptible your van is to being targeted by thieves for content. One example is that a great advice from other van drivers is to park in close proximity to walls or other obstacles that can stop potential thieves from being able to access vulnerable areas of the van. If they are unable to access the door because they’re too close to something else, 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. Find CCTV cameras and then park near them or set up your own cameras, possibly linking to your home alarm or security systems.
Van security: a brief summary
The most important thing to remember about van security is that you utilize it.
From not forgetting that you must lock your van engaging the alarm or immobiliser system, when you’ve gone to the effort of getting additional security features fitted to your van, make sure you and your driver are aware of the system and make it part of your routine each time you step far from your vehicle.
