If you are reading this hopefully you are taking a proactive approach to van security and have not already fallen victim to one of the lowest form of crimes to grip the nation. To some of you it will come as no surprise that tool theft has increased two thirds since 2015 and over the last 10 years it has accounted for 1 in 7 crimes (and they are just the ones reported). With mounting pressure on the police and parliament to do more to both catch and adequately punish perpetrators accompanied by a growing crowd of disenchantment van owners calling for Van manufacturers to take responsibility for a security vulnerabilities, trades people have no option but to take matters into their own hands and upgrade their van security, double check the Ts & Cs of their van insurance policy and ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent becoming a victim.

(Transit Van security came under scrutiny after this video showing the vulnerability of the ford transit's factory installed locks went viral. Thankfully Ford have sinced updated  the transit locking software to prevent such easy access.)

 Top 10 Van Security Tips

Van Locks

There are many van security locks options on the market however unlike roof bars and roof racks, which utilise manufacturer's fixing points of the van, van locks require more of a specialised installation from a supply and fit expert. Two of the most popular types of lock which van owners look to add are types known as slamlocks and deadlocks. Slamlocks lock instantly upon shutting thus preventing the hassle of removing items with one hand to lock with another every time you leave your van. Deadlocks however will not lock automatically upon closing as they require the pin to be turned manually. The benefit of van deadlocks is that they prevent locks from being picked as there is no spring mechanism vulnerability. Unfortunately, as vans come in all shapes and sizes locks needed for your van will vary based on the make and model.

(Jeff Scott of Sussex Installations runs through some of the best van security locks. Video source: Youtube - Youtube Channel:sussexinstallations )

 

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Van Alarms

The majority of vans will come with an alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard. They should be Thatcham category 2 approved – this means it must have an immobiliser included as part of the alarm system. Always check the alarm system that comes with your vehicle. There is always the option of upgrading your alarm system from the basic level to a more advanced system.

External Storage Solutions

Ladders are regularly stolen from the roof of vans, investing in a set of lockable ladder clamps will secure the ladders and make the ladders less appealing to thieves. If you are carrying copper piping and conduit an external lockable pipe carrier will ensure that your materials are safely locked away.

Internal Van Security Measures

An internal security storage box can be a great way of locking away your higher value tools/items. Though the best solution would be to unload your van – sometimes this isn’t always possible. Investing in a steel storage box with an integrated lock that can be secured to your van will help keep those tools well hidden.

Install Window Grilles, Blanks & Bulkheads

By installing Window Grilles, Window Blanks and Bulkheads you are preventing thieves from seeing what they could potentially steal. A Window Grille will also prevent access once the windows have been smashed.

Mark Tools with a UV Pen

UV pens mark your tools with an invisible mark, which will only show up when put under a UV light. Mark your property with a unique code, for example your house number and postcode. However, you can use whatever code you will remember to be able to identify your tools in the event of a theft.

Location, Location, Location

When parking your van, ensure you are aware of your surroundings. Is the area well lit? Covered by CCTV? Try parking your van with its doors against a wall to make access more difficult. If you are parking at home or work, security can be improved by installing motion detected security lights, CCTV cameras and lockable gates.

Know what’s in your Van

Keeping a record of what is in your vehicle is important, especially if anything should go missing. Record serial numbers for equipment, tools and GPS Systems and keep the receipts for insurance purposes in case the worst does happen.

Van Insurance

Prevention is key, but should your van get broken into you want to ensure that you are not out of action for too long. Ensure that your insurance covers against goods in transit, personal belongings and professional equipment.

Don’t leave your Van unlocked

It may sound silly, but ensure you always lock your van, even if you are just popping into the house for a minute. This gives thieves enough time to steal your property. ‘Entering the vehicle through an unlocked door has increased from occurring in around one in eight incidents to around one-half of incidents’

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