Van security is a crucial issue for both large and small. A burglary or theft can result in major impacts, usually involving thousands of dollars in productivity or lost tools. We’ve created this van security guideline to minimize the risk of the most devastating incident happening.
We’ve talked with industry experts and talked to forum members of vans to provide this comprehensive guide that rounds the best ways to protect your vehicle and the contents inside including your belongings or tools.
Do you think van theft is a major issue?
The latest research suggests van theft increased by 81 percent between 2015 and 2019 and by 2030, that number is expected to increase by a third. Thus van theft is an important problem.
Furthermore According to research conducted of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, more than one quarter of drivers of vans (27 percent) had tools stolen during the period of 12 months lease through September 2021 and a report released by Logistics UK reveals that more than three-quarters of British companies were robbed of their vans in 2020.
To quantify the assertions, Logistics UK claims the average cost to businesses of theft of content is about £4,250 with VW estimating that the resultant downtime is £550 per day for each van, which is approximately £15 million total each year. The same survey reveals that at least half van drivers (57 percent) have left all their equipment in their vehicle over 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 is available.
What is the most important thing to consider in the context of van security?
It’s obvious that there are two primary things to take into consideration in the context of van security: the van itself being stolen and the theft of the contents of the van. This is why we’ve split this guide into twoparts:
• Preventing theft of the entire van
• Preventing the theft of the van’s contents
A few of these preventative measures cost nothing, and also, the latest vans are equipped with some smart strategies that are built-in. If you’re serious about security for 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? Consider these top suggestions.
- Make sure you keep the keys
We’ll discuss additional security locks for vans and other upgrades later the first step to take a van away is to steal the key. Therefore, make sure to are aware of where the van’s key is always.
Keyless entry and keyless becoming more common on commercial vehicles you must also consider’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 remains at home – or in your in your pocket.
A reasonably inexpensive faraday bag or keybox is the best solution to this problem.
- Old-fashioned physical deterrents remain efficient
Physical devices for preventing theft, such as pedal locks, steering wheel locks, and gearlever locks – all referred to as clamps – might appear like they’ve come out of the 1990s, but they’re an effective way to deter van theft. You could even put in your wheel clamp to your own.
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 deter criminals possibly skewing the risk/reward balance in favor or not bothering your vehicle in the first place. 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.
Make sure you make use of these additional security locks for van however. Nothing is more painful than the van disappearing due to the fact that your Disklok was on the passenger’s seat instead of being connected on the steering wheel.
- Install new alarms and immobilisers.
Some vans have factory-installed alarms, while others don’t however, you can help criminals by installing a top-quality aftermarket system, as it will add another layer of complexity to getting your van stolen.
Search for systems that have been approved by Thatcham. Also, look for installers who have been vetted thoroughly by van owners who have other vans. See some examples of the quality of their the previous work. Remember that an alarm will only alert the person to a burglary It’s the immobiliser that stops the van from beginning, so don’t cut corners on this aspect.
Modern solutions that are innovative include “CAN bus immobilisers,” like Autowatch Ghost, which is a CAN bus immobiliser. Autowatch Ghost. These are integrated into your van’s electronic components, and permit it to start only if the right combination of the normal steering wheel or dashboard buttons are initially pressed.
Also think about the possibility of an OBD port lock, or having this ECU interface professionally relocated.
- Consider parking your car, and plan for CCTV and your home security
Park your vehicle in a place that is well-lit and where a lot of people will be able to be able to see it, will make opportunistic thieves be cautious. 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 Wireless home security alarms. 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 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 criminal, we’re not certain what else will. In addition, you’re not likely to not sleep through the noise of it.
- Utilize all available technology or fit an electronic tracker
A G£-based tracking device can’t stop the van from being stolen but it might 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 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 and connectivity, many modern vans have an app for smartphones which includes the G£ location system. So ensure that whatever you already have is downloaded and active on your phone.
Certain manufacturers, like Ford make the most of this technology by giving the option of having their app notify you of any attempt to open or begin the vehicle, regardless of whether you’re 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 who are only after to steal what’s in the outside of the van have a frightening range of choices. Here’s how to defend your home and defend it.
- Change the locks
There are readily available lockpicking tools that can take on the majority of regular van locks that are fitted by manufacturers and so switching them to tougher-to-break aftermarket van lock such as that fitted by a dealer RepLock used on Ford Transits is an easy decision. However, that’s only the beginning place.
Additionally, you can protect 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. Additionally, you can install different types of locks. The most popular upgrades are deadlocks and slam locks nowadays, more and more accessible with hook locks.
The locks of Slam automatically close the van once 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 what type, search for locks that have been approved by Thatcham because they could reduce the cost of insurance if installed.
We suggest professional installation and cautious positioning. Hook lock locks 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.
There are some who suggest that having excessive security can increase the interest of criminals in the things you’re trying to keep secure inside. If you’re really trying 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 way to avoid having something taken from your van is to make sure you don’t put it in the van. But this may not be feasible, especially in the case of tools and equipment that you are constantly making use of. You should instead consider adding an additional layer of security for your van’s tool security.
This can be as simple as 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) as well as a complete Van security cage. With internal locks as well as additional metal work, it’s as if you have a van in the vehicle.
There are also easy-to-install electronic devices that warn 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 that is 125dB, and it is believed to sound when an open door in the rear.
Another option to avoid is a dashcam, which can record both inside and outside. However, it is only useful when it transmits wireless video to the cloud through wireless Wi-Fi on mobile devices. It will be ineffective if the video of criminals at work is stolen along with other data.
Similar to all other things, don’t expect these items to provide you a 100% guarantee against theft. They will, however, slow criminals, which could allow you or other passers-by the opportunity to notify the police or force the thieves to stop completely.
- Stop smashing and grabbing van theft
If your vehicle is left without supervision in a quiet location criminals could attempt to smash a window to gain entry into the interior. The cost-effective window film will make it harder by keeping the broken glass and preventing it from splintering into pieces. The best alternatives are on both sides.
Except for the possibility of using them to demonstrate that you that there’s nothing in the vehicle windows, vans with windows at the rear should be avoided entirely due to the following reasons. A properly-installed, solid bulkhead prevents easy access to the loading space from broken windows inside the cabin.
Also , consider turning off any buttons on the cab that allow access to the load compartment without having a key. Numerous van manufacturers have issued software updates to address this problem, so be sure that your vehicle has the most recent version of software. Also, as mentioned earlier the faraday box or pouch is a good idea to 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 to secure your items on the exterior of your van to prevent 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 quite a bit of cash (making them costly to replace as well). Pickups and vans are at risk of this kind of crime, because they have a more ground clearance than normal vehicles, which makes easy access to the underside.
These cat-locks and clamps are designed to stop this type of crime. Even though they may appear to cost as much as the things they’re trying to protect be aware of the negative impact on your business’s performance if you are unable to use your vehicle due to the catalytic converter was taken.
Other measures outside of anti-theft to 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 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 how susceptible your van is to theft of content. One example is that a great suggestion from other drivers of vans is to park near walls or other obstacles which will stop thieves from being able to access vulnerable areas of the van. If they’re unable to access the door because they’re too close to something else, they might not be able inside even.
If this isn’t possible then opt for well-lit areas that are crowded enough to make burglaries difficult. Find CCTV cameras and attempt to park near them or install your own cameras, possibly linking to your home security alarm systems.
Van security: a brief summary
The most important thing to remember about van security is how you can utilize it.
From making sure to secure the vehicle, to initiating alarms and the immobiliser system, 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 every time you step off the road.