Van security is a crucial issue for both large and small. An attack or theft could have serious effects, sometimes resulting in thousands of dollars in productivity or tools lost. We’ve made this guide on van security to reduce the chance of the worst occurring.
We’ve talked with industry experts and talked to forum members of vans to provide this article, which outlines out ways to safeguard your vehicle and the contents inside including your belongings or tools.
Are van thefts a real issue?
The latest research suggests that van theft rose by 81 percent between 2015 and 2019, and in 2030, the number is expected to increase by a third. Thus van theft is a major problem.
Furthermore According to research conducted of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than 25% of van drivers (27 percent) had tools stolen during the twelve months of leasing until September 2021 according to a report by Logistics UK reveals that more than one third of British companies were robbed of their vans in 2020.
To justify these claim, Logistics UK claims the average cost to businesses of theft of content is about £4,250 with VW estimating that the resultant interruptions amount to £550 per day for each van, or approximately £15 million per year. The same survey reveals that at the very least half of van drivers (57 percent) are still putting everything in their vehicle for the night. Nearly a third (31 percent) don’t have any security measures in addition to the ones they already have.
That’s why this guide to van security comes in.
What are the things that need to be protected in the context of van security?
It’s likely obvious however there are two primary things to take into consideration in regards to van security: the van’s theft as well as the contents of the van. We’ve divided the guide into two sections:
• Preventing theft of the entire van
Preventing theft of van’s contents
Certain of these preventative measures cost nothing, and also, the latest vans are equipped with some smart 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 van in its entirety
Are you worried about your entire vehicle being taken? Check out these tips.
- Make sure you keep the keys
We’ll look at other security locks for van and other upgrades later the first step to take a van away is to steal the key. Make sure you are aware of where your van’s key is all the time.
Keyless entry and keyless starting to become more common for commercial cars, you should also think about’relay attacks’. These are attacks that use electronic devices to extend the range of radio signal that goes from your vehicle to the key and allow thieves to get inside and begin the van even if the key is at home – or in your inside your pocket.
A fairly inexpensive faraday pouch or key box is a great solution to this problem.
- Physical deterrents from the past are efficient
Physical security devices like pedal locks, steering-wheel locks, and gearlever locks – all of which are referred to as clamps – might appear like they’ve come out of the 1990s, but they’re an effective way to deter van theft. It’s possible to add your own wheel clamp.
Purchase the highest quality product that you are able to afford and make sure they’re certified by Thatcham. at a minimum, these can slow down the criminals and could alter the risk-to-reward ratio in favor or not bothering your vehicle at all. The experts of TVL Security say their PedalBox (below) is the best example of the belt and braces approachand claim that it’s never been defeated.
Do not forget to make use of these additional locks however. Nothing is more painful than the van disappearing due to the fact that your Disklok was on the passenger’s seat instead of attached with the wheel.
- Install upgraded alarms and immobilisers
Some vans have factory-installed alarms, whereas others do not – but you can still make it more difficult for thieves by installing a premium aftermarket system, as it will add another layer of complexity 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 some examples of the quality of their prior work. Be aware that an alarm will only alert you to an armed robbery and it’s the immobiliser which stops the van from beginning, so don’t cut corners on this aspect.
Modern solutions that are innovative include “CAN bus immobilisers,” like those from Autowatch Ghost. They are integrated into your vehicle’s electronic systems, and will only permit it to start when the correct combination of the normal steering wheel or dashboard buttons are first pressed.
Also, think about the possibility of an OBD port lock, or having this ECU interface moved professionally.
- Consider parking your car, and plan for CCTV and your home security
The location of your vehicle place that is well-lit and where a lot of people are able to observe it can 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.
Certain van owners with savvy benefit from the latest Wireless home security alarms. Alongside standalone wireless alarms like the Vanmate described below, you can also install contact sensors and cameras wireless on your van . These sensors can be connected to your home alarm when you park your vehicle nearby.
If the sound of a gun being blown through the entire home doesn’t deter a potential burglar, we’re not sure what else will. In addition, you’re not likely to be able to sleep through the sound of it.
- Utilize all available technology and/or install an electronic tracker
A G£-based tracking device can’t stop the van from being stolen however it can aid in getting it back once more. The options range from simple low-cost devices to full-time subscription services. Choose the latter option when you can. They must be set up correctly, too. Tracker is the most well-known brand name, however there are other brands too.
As vans gain equipped with connectivity Many modern vans come with a smartphone app with the G£ location system. So ensure that whatever you already have is installed and activated on your phone.
Certain manufacturers, like Ford are taking advantage of this technology by giving the option to make their apps alert you to any attempt to start or open the vehicle, regardless of whether you’re using the use of a key.
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” assaults criminals who are only after to steal what’s in the van are faced with a tense variety of choices. What can you do to safeguard your home and defend it.
- Change the locks
There are readily available tools for picking locks that can be used to pick most 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 an easy decision. However, that’s only the beginning place.
Furthermore, you can also arm the lock’s areas to protect against drilling attacks. Security plates for van doors are designed to deal with specific vulnerabilities to the model, like van wiring loom security guards. You can also install various types of locks. The most popular upgrades are 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, therefore you won’t need to rememberit, while deadlocks are more difficult to choose since they don’t feature spring mechanism. No matter which type you choose, look for locks that have been approved by Thatcham since they can reduce the cost of insurance if installed.
We suggest professional installation and cautious installation. Hook lock locks located in the right places can keep thieves from opening the door’s upper panels, in which the thin metals that are used on modern vans are prone to be used to gain access.
There are some who suggest that having excessive security can attract criminals to the things you’re trying protect inside. However, if you truly need to protect yourself from burglars You could think about something similar to The TVL Security ArmourShell which is made of interlocking pieces that are ‘invulnerable to force’.
- Secure 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. But this may not be feasible, especially with regard to the tools and equipment you’re always making use of. Consider adding an additional layer of security for your van’s tool security.
The options can vary from an on-board security box for your van that locks – like locks-able tool boxes or small van safes called Tool vaults (Van Vault is among the most well-known brands) and even a full Van security cage. With internal locks as well as additional metal work, it’s similar to having a van inside the vehicle.
There are also easy-to-fit electronic devices that will alert that you are at risk of being burgled for instance, an alarm like the Vanmate alarm. The nifty (under £40) battery-powered device can be installed in a matter of minutes, it has a booming alarm of 125dB and it is believed to activate immediately after an open door in the rear.
Another option to avoid is a dashcam which records both inside and outside. It is only 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 criminals on the move is taken and resold along with everything else.
Similar to other things, you shouldn’t think that these tools will give you 100% protection against theft. They will, however, 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.
- Stop smashing and grabbing van theft
If the van is without supervision in a quiet location criminals could try to smash windows to gain entry into the interior. The cost-effective window film will make it difficult by securing 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 because of the following reasons. A well-constructed, secured bulkhead can block access to the loading space from broken windows inside the cabin.
Consider disabling the buttons on the cab that allow access to the load compartment without the use of a key. Numerous van manufacturers have issued software updates to address this problem, so be sure that your van has the most recent version of software. As mentioned above an faraday pouch or box can stop relay attacks that take benefit of systems that allow keyless access.
There’s no harm in including a ‘no tools are stored in this car sticker, if you haven’t had one in the past.
- Protecting your cat – how do you secure things on the outside of your vehicle to protect them from the possibility of theft
Catalytic converter thefts are increasing due to the precious metals which cleans your vehicle’s emissions could be worth quite a bit of cash (making the replacement cost expensive also). Pickups and vans are at risk of this kind of crime, due to their 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. Even though they may appear to cost as much as the things they’re trying to protect Don’t forget the negative impact on your business’s performance if you’re unable to access your vehicle due to the catalytic converter was taken.
Other anti-theft measures you can think about include ladder clamp locks, lock pipe carriers that are locked and wheel nuts. In many vans, the spare tire is accessible beneath the van, therefore an extra wheel lock is essential. By securing these items, you are protecting your business.
- Pay attention to the way and the location you park.
In addition to the theft of your entire van, the place you park could make an enormous difference in the vulnerability of your van to being targeted by thieves for content. For instance, a popular advice from other van drivers is to park in close proximity to walls or other obstacles which will stop thieves from having access to the vulnerable areas of the van. If they’re unable to get into the van because of too close to other objects, 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 a burglary dangerous. Check for CCTV cameras, and then park them in their view or install your own, possibly connecting up with your security and alarm systems.
Van security: a brief summary
The most important aspect of van security is that you make use of it.
From not forgetting to secure the vehicle engaging the alarm or immobiliser systems when you’ve gone to the effort of installing additional van security installed, make sure you and your passengers know the procedure and make it part of your routine every time you step far from your vehicle.
