Van security is an essential issue for both large and small. An attack or theft can result in major impacts, usually involving thousands of dollars of productivity or lost tools. We’ve created this guide to van security to reduce the chance of the worst occurring.
We’ve spoken with industry experts and heard from forum members of vans to present this comprehensive guide that rounds the best ways to protect your vehicle and the contents inside whether it’s goods 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 by 2030, the figure is expected to double. Therefore van theft is an important problem.
Furthermore according to research of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than 25% of van drivers (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 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 likely obvious that there are two major aspects to think about in the context of van security: the van’s theft as well as the contents of the van. This is why we’ve split this guide into twoparts:
• Preventing theft of entire van
> Preventing theft of contents of the van
Certain of these measures to prevent theft will cost nothing. And also, the latest 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 concerned about your vehicle being stolen? Consider these top suggestions.
1. Make sure you keep the keys
We’ll look at other van security locks as well as similar upgrades down below however, the most effective method of stealing vans is through the key. Make sure you are aware of where the van’s key is always.
Keyless entry and keyless starting to become more and more prevalent for commercial cars, you must also consider’relay attacks’. They use an electronic device to extend the range of signals wirelessly transmitted from car to the key and allow thieves to get inside and begin the van even if the key remains 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 efficient
Physical security devices like pedal locks, steering wheel locks, and gearlever locks all of which are referred to as clamps, may appear like they’ve come out of the 1990s, but they’re effective at deterring van theft. It’s possible to add the wheel lock of your choice.
Get the top quality it is possible to purchase, but make sure that they’re approved by Thatcham, and at a minimum, they can slow down the criminals and could alter the risk/reward proportion in favor or not bothering your vehicle at all. The experts from 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 but. Nothing can be more damaging than your vehicle being lost as a result of the Disklok was sitting on the seat of the driver instead of attached on the steering wheel.
3. Install upgraded alarms and immobilisers
Some vans have factory-fitted alarms, while others don’t however, you can help criminals by installing a premium aftermarket system, as it will add another layer of complexity to taking your vehicle.
Find systems that are certified by Thatcham and installers that have been evaluated thoroughly by van owners who have other vans. Request some examples of the quality of their the previous work. Remember that alarms only alert you to an armed robbery 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
The location of your vehicle place that is well-lit and where lots of people are able to be able to see it, will make potential thieves be cautious. You can park it in front of the CCTV camera and even more skilled criminals might reconsider their strategies.
Many van owners who are smart make use of the latest Wireless home security alarms. In addition to standalone wireless alarms like the Vanmate described below, you can also install contact sensors and wireless cameras on your van . These sensors can be connected to the house alarm when your van is in close proximity.
If announcing the alarm to the entire home doesn’t deter a potential criminal, we’re not certain which one 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 however it can assist you in obtaining it time and time. They range from basic low-cost devices to subscription-based full services. Consider the latter when you can. They should be installed correctly, too. Tracker is the most popular brand name, however there are other brands too.
As vans gain connected Many modern vans come with a smartphone app with an GPS location system. Therefore, ensure that the app you have is downloaded and active on your phone.
Van security: stopping the the theft of the contents of your van
From power tools to lockpicks and smashed windows, as well as “peel and steal” attacks criminals who are only after the contents of the outside of the van are faced with a daunting variety of choices. Here’s how to defend your property and defend yourself.
Click here for van security lock installation.
1. Change the locks
There are readily available 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 that fitted by a dealer RepLock used on Ford Transits is a simple decision. However, that’s only the beginning point.
Additionally, you can protect the areas around locks to stop drilling attacks. The van door safety plates are designed to deal with particular model weaknesses, and so do 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 equipped with hook locks.
The locks of Slam automatically close the van once you close the doors, therefore you won’t have to rememberit, while deadlocks are more difficult to choose since they do not have spring mechanism. No matter what type, search for locks that have been approved by Thatcham since they can lower your insurance costs if they are fitted.
We suggest professional installation and cautious positioning. 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 taken advantage of.
There are some who suggest that having excessive security can increase the interest of criminals in what you’re trying keep secure inside. If you’re really trying to guard against 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 avoid having something 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 protection for your van’s tool security.
This can be as simple as an on-board security box for your van like locks-able tool boxes or small van safes called Tool vaults (Van Vault is among the most popular brand names) as well as a complete vehicle security cage. With the use of internal locks and additional metal work, it’s similar to having a van inside your vehicle.
Another option to avoid is a dashcam which records both indoors and outdoors. It is only useful when it transmits wireless video to the cloud using wireless Wi-Fi on mobile devices. It will not be useful if footage of criminals on the move is taken and resold along with everything else.
Like other things, you shouldn’t expect these items to provide you 100% protection against theft. However, they can slow criminals down, and could allow you or other passers-by an opportunity to call the police or force the thieves to abandon their pursuit completely.
3. Avoid smash and grab van theft
If the van is without supervision in a quiet location potential thieves could attempt to smash windows in order to gain access into the interior. Window protection films that aren’t expensive will make it difficult by securing the broken glass and stopping it from breaking into pieces. The most effective solutions are for both sides.
If you aren’t able to use them to prove that the inside of the van is empty vans that have windows in the rear should be avoided completely because of the following reasons. A properly-installed, solid bulkhead can block access to the loading space from broken windows inside the cabin.
Also , consider deactivating any buttons on the cab which allow you to unlock the load compartment without the use of a key. A lot of van makers have released software updates specifically for this problem, so be sure your van’s software is the most current 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 including a ‘no tools are found in this vehicle stickers if you’ve not had one before.
4. Keep your cat safe how to secure your items that are on the outside of your vehicle to prevent the theft
Catalytic converter thefts are increasing due to the precious metals contained inside the converter which cleans your van’s emissions could be worth a significant amount of cash (making the replacement cost expensive as well). The pickups, and particularly 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 are designed to stop this type of crime. Even though they can cost as much as the item they’re trying save be aware of the negative impact on your business when you are unable to use your vehicle because the catalytic converter was taken.
Other anti-theft measures you can take into consideration include ladder clamp locks, lock pipe carriers that are locked and wheel nuts. In many vans, the spare tyre can be easily located beneath the van, therefore having a spare wheel lock is an essential item. Making sure these are secured is a way to protect your business.
5. Be aware of how you park and where.
In addition to the theft of your entire van, the place you park makes huge difference in the vulnerability of your van to being targeted by thieves for content. One example is that a great advice from other van drivers 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 isn’t possible then opt for well-lit areas that are crowded enough to make burglaries difficult. Check for CCTV cameras, and attempt to park them in their view or install your own cameras, possibly linking with your home alarm and security systems.
Van security: a summary
The most important aspect of van security is how you can make use of it.
From not forgetting to secure the vehicle engaging the alarm or immobiliser system, when you’ve gone to the effort of getting additional security for your van, ensure that you and your driver are aware of the system and make it part of your routine every time you step off the road.