Van security is an essential aspect for businesses large and small. An attack or theft could have serious impacts, usually involving thousands of dollars in productivity or lost tools. We’ve made this van security guideline to minimize the risk of the worst occurring.
We’ve talked to experts in the field and talked to Van owners in forums, to provide this article, which outlines the best ways to protect your van as well as everything within it whether it’s goods 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.
In addition According to research conducted from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than one quarter of drivers of vans (27 percent) had tools stolen during the twelve months of leasing through 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 assertions, Logistics UK claims the average cost to businesses of content theft is around £4,250 with VW estimating that the resultant interruptions amount to £550 per day for each van, or approximately £15 million total each year. However, the same study reveals that at least half van drivers (57 percent) are still putting all their equipment in their vehicle for the night. A third (31 percent) aren’t using any security measures in addition to the ones they already have.
This is the reason this guide to van security comes in.
What is the most important thing to consider in the context of van security?
It’s likely obvious that there are two major aspects to take into consideration in regards to van security: the van’s theft and the theft of 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 you nothing . And similarly, the most modern vans have some innovative strategies that are built-in. If you’re serious about security for your van, you should be prepared to invest some cash.
Van security: stopping theft of the van in its entirety
Are you concerned about your vehicle being taken? Check out these tips.
- Make sure you keep the keys
We’ll look at additional security locks for vans and other upgrades later however, the most effective way to get into a van is through the key. Therefore, make sure to are aware of where your van’s key is always.
Keyless entry and keyless starting to become increasingly popular for commercial cars, you must also consider’relay attacks’. These are attacks that use electronic devices to increase the range of the radio signal that goes from your vehicle to the key which allows thieves to gain access and drive the vehicle while the key remains inside your home or inside your pocket.
A reasonably inexpensive faraday bag or keybox is the best solution to this problem.
- Old-fashioned physical deterrents remain efficient
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, but they’re effective in preventing van theft. You could even put in your wheel clamp to your own.
Get the top quality that you are able to afford but make sure they’re certified by Thatcham. at a minimum, these can deter criminals 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 the best example of the belt and braces method, and say it’s never been defeated.
Do not forget to make use of these additional locks but. Nothing is more painful than your vehicle being lost as a result of the 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 top-quality aftermarket alarm, which will add another layer of complexity to taking your vehicle.
Find systems that are certified by Thatcham and for installers who have been reviewed thoroughly by van owners who have other vans. See the quality of their prior work. Remember that alarms only alert the person to a burglary and it’s the immobiliser which stops the van from getting started, so you shouldn’t compromise on this area.
Innovative modern solutions include “CAN bus immobilisers,” like Autowatch Ghost, which is a CAN bus immobiliser. Autowatch Ghost. They are integrated into your vehicle’s electronic systems, and will only allow it to start only if the right combination of standard steering-wheel or dashboard buttons are initially 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 brightly lit area where lots of people will be 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.
Certain van owners with savvy benefit from the latest alarms for homes that are wireless. Alongside standalone wireless alarms like the Vanmate described below, 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 the sound of a gun being blown through 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.
- Utilize all available technology or fit the tracker
The G£ tracking device will not prevent the van from being taken but it might assist you in obtaining it time and time. They range from basic cheap passive devices, to full-time subscription services. Choose the latter option in the event that you are able to. They should be installed correctly, too. Tracker is the most well-known brand name, however there are many others.
As vans gain equipped with connectivity and connectivity, many modern vans come with a smartphone app which includes an G£ location system. So ensure that whatever you already have is installed and activated on your phone.
Certain manufacturers, like Ford make the most of this technology by giving the option of having their apps alert you to any attempt to open or begin the vehicle, even if it’s done using keys.
Van security: Preventing the theft of the contents of your van
From power tools to lockpicks broken windows to “peel and steal” assaults criminals that only want to take what’s inside the outside of the van have a frightening range of possibilities. Here’s how to safeguard your home and defend yourself.
- Replace the locks
There are tools for picking locks 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 place.
Furthermore, you can also arm the lock’s areas to protect against drilling attacks. Security plates for van doors address 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 equipped with hook locks.
Locks that are triggered by a Slam lock automatically secure the van once you shut the doors therefore you won’t need to rememberit, while deadlocks are more difficult to select as they don’t feature spring mechanisms. No matter which type you choose, look for locks that are certified by Thatcham, since they can lower your insurance costs if installed.
We suggest professional installation and cautious installation. Hook lock locks located in the right places can stop thieves from ‘peeling’ the door’s upper panels, in which the thin metals that are used on modern vans are prone to be taken advantage of.
Some believe that excessive security can attract criminals to the things you’re trying protect inside. If you’re really trying to protect yourself from burglars then you might want to consider something similar to The TVL Security ArmourShell which is made of interlocking pieces that are ‘invulnerable to force’.
- Guard your valuables
The only way to avoid having something taken from your van is to ensure that you do not place it inside. However, this isn’t always 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.
The options can vary from an on-board van security system that locks – like locking tool boxes, as well as small van safes called Tool vaults (Van Vault is among the most well-known brands) and even a full Van security cage. With the use of internal security locks for van and additional metal work, this can be similar to having a van inside your vehicle.
There are also easy-to-fit electronic devices that will alert that you are at risk of being burgled like an alarm like the Vanmate alarm. The low-cost (under £40) battery-powered device can be installed in a matter of minutes, and has a loud alarm that is 125dB, and is said to activate when an open door in the rear.
Another option to avoid is a dashcam, which can record both indoors and outdoors. However, it can only be useful in the event that it wirelessly transmits video to the cloud through wireless Wi-Fi on mobile devices. In the end, it’ll not be useful if footage 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. However, they can slow criminals, which could provide you with the opportunity to notify the police or force the thieves to abandon their pursuit completely.
- Stop smashing and grabbing van theft
If the van is alone in a peaceful area potential thieves could try to smash windows to gain entry to the inside. The cost-effective window film could make this even difficult by securing the glass that has been smashed and preventing it from splintering into pieces. The best alternatives are on both sides.
If you aren’t able to use them to demonstrate that you that there’s nothing in the vehicle windows, vans with 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.
Consider disabling the buttons on the cab that allow access to the loading area without the use of a key. Numerous van manufacturers have issued software updates to address this issue, so be sure that your van is running the latest version. Also, as mentioned earlier the faraday pouch or box can stop relay attacks that take benefit of systems that allow keyless access.
There’s no harm in having a ‘no tool is found in this vehicle stickers if you’ve not had one in the past.
- Protecting your cat – how to secure your items on the outside of your vehicle to protect them from the possibility of theft
Catalytic converter thefts are increasing due to the precious metals the converter that help clean your vehicle’s emissions could 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 due to their greater ground clearance than standard vehicles, which makes it easier to access the underside.
The cat locks as well as the cat lock are designed to deter this kind of crime. And although they may appear to cost as much as the things they’re trying save Don’t forget the effect on your business when you’re unable to access your vehicle because the catalytic converter was taken.
Other measures outside of anti-theft to take into consideration include ladder clamp locks, locking pipe carriers , and locking wheel nuts. In many vans, the spare tyre can be easily located beneath the van, therefore an extra wheel lock is an essential item. 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 the entire van, the place you park makes an immense difference to the vulnerability of your van 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 being able to access vulnerable areas inside the van. If they’re unable to get into the van because of too close to other objects, they might not be able to gain entry into the van anyhow.
If this is not feasible opt for brightly lit areas that are crowded enough to make burglaries dangerous. Find CCTV cameras and attempt to park near them or install your own cameras, possibly linking up with your security and alarm systems.
Van security: a summary
The most important thing to remember about van security is how you can make use of it.
From making sure to secure the vehicle, to initiating alarms and the immobiliser systems when you’ve gone to the effort of installing additional van security installed, make sure you and your driver know the procedure and make it part of your routine each time you step far from your vehicle.