The 10 Worst Van Security Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Easy to Install Van Security Measures There are a number of security measures you can put in place to improve the protection of your van. Simple things like parking in well-lit areas with CCTV coverage and placing up a 'tools should not be stored in this van overnight' sign can help. Physical theft prevention devices such as steering locks, hook locks and pedal locks catch are also effective. Choose locks that are approved by Thatcham. 1. Lock the doors Many van drivers use vehicles to transport expensive equipment and tools. This makes them targets for opportunistic thieves. Having your van broken into can stop you carrying out your work and could cost you your livelihood. When you aren't using your van ensure that it's locked securely and that the keys are hidden. Parking in well-lit, open areas that have a large public presence can discourage criminals. Locks from the standard manufacturer are usually easy to pick or force open, but specialist suppliers can make them harder to crack options. Dealer-fit RepLocks for Ford Transit vans are a good example and so are wheel clamps and pedal locks. Lock shields can also be helpful, protecting the lock area with a plate made of metal which is difficult to drill through, and also preventing bolts from cutting. Another alternative is a slam locks that locks automatically the doors to your load area when you close them, but requires the use of a key. They are ideal for vans that have multiple drop locations and couriers. They can also be fitted a hook lock to provide more security to the side and rear doors. Another alternative is to install an engine immobiliser. Although it doesn't prevent theft, it can stop your vehicle from starting without the correct key. They're typically installed on newer vans however, they can be retro-fitted to older models. 2. Secure the cap to the fuel filler. The majority of vans run on diesel or petrol engines, and thieves can gain access to the fuel tank by removing the wheel trims, and then lower the cap on the fuel tank using an instrument. There are a variety of ways to secure this part of your vehicle, including locking the cap using the use of a padlock or a strong metal cable that secures it. A majority of these cables are equipped with a light that can be activated by movements and alert you to any suspicious activity within your vehicle. A steering or pedal lock is a different physical deterrent. It prevents the pedals and wheel from being used to steer your vehicle away. They can be secured with keys, and are very difficult to remove without the help of an angle grinder or other special tools. These tips for van security are only useful if you implement them. Make sure to lock your doors whenever you leave your vehicle. ford van security is also recommended to consider an engine immobiliser. They are usually built into new van models, but can be fitted in older vehicles too. They stop the engine from running until the proper key is present and a lot of them come with a Thatcham CAT 1 rating which can help reduce your insurance costs. 3. Install an slam lock If you don't lock your van correctly, the back is vulnerable to thieves who are opportunistic. There are a variety of van locks that can secure your cargo. Deadlocks and slamlocks are among the most popular types. Both locks offer protection for your van cargo, but a slamlock is better suited for those who access their vehicle's rear frequently like couriers and multi-drop drivers. These slamlocks are designed to lock the van doors immediately after they are shut. You don't need to worry about losing the van's doors if you're in a hurry. They also serve as a visual deterrent for thieves. They are perfect for multi-drop delivery drivers, primarily as they help stop the temptation to leave vehicles unlocked for too long. We can supply slam locks that are vehicle-specific, which means you can ensure they'll fit perfectly. Our locksmiths are able to install these locks on the spot. We also offer a training course for locksmiths who wish to offer this additional service to tackle the high number of commercial vehicle break-ins. The Garrison Slamlock is the slamlock kit we use in our training program. This mechanical slamlock integrates with the vehicle's locking system to provide Maximum Security. It is easy to install. It eliminates the need for the driver to physically open the manufacturer's door handle, providing conformity with Health & Safety at Work and Corporate Manslaughter legislation. 4. Install a catalytic converter lock The catalytic converter is essential for the vehicle's emission control however, it also contains precious metals, making it an attractive target for thieves. Installing a lock on your catalytic converter is a cost-effective way to prevent theft. It creates a physical barrier as well as a visible deterrent. This small investment can save you from a costly replacement, and also the hassle of driving around in an unusable vehicle. There are many types of catalytic lock systems that are available. These range from simple cable locks to more sophisticated systems that use sensors to detect vibrations or heat. While the effectiveness of these devices differs, they all serve as effective deterrents for potential thieves. One of the most well-known solutions is a clamp and cable device that can be positioned over your catalyser converter. It comes with an electronic locking mechanism for cables to ensure it stays in place. Amazon has a large selection of these devices that can be put in use on almost any vehicle. Some have bright orange finishes to make the catalytic converter more visible. Others are made from stainless steel to provide greater cut resistance. You can also put your vehicle identification number on the catalytic convertor. This makes it easier for authorities to locate the owner of the component or scrap dealers. It also acts as a deterrent to theft. Additionally, you can paint your catalytic converter fluorescent to make it visible. It won't stop thieves completely however it could deter those who try to remove it and make a quick profit on its price of resale. 5. Create a partition Van partitions are a fantastic solution for those concerned about the security of their cargo space. It's essentially a steel wall that divides the back of your van from the driver's compartment. This lets you store items like fire extinguishers, reflective kits, and First Aid kits, while being able to drive your vehicle in a safe manner. Furthermore, a partition serves as a deterrent, since it stops thieves from getting access to the rear of your vehicle. This is a particularly useful security measure for vans older than ten years that don't have locks for the fuel cap. They can be opened with ease using simple tools. Additionally, a partition can be fitted with motion sensors that track the movement of people inside and outside your vehicle. These systems work like a home alarm system. They will notify you in the event of interference or altering. Certain systems also offer GPS tracking, which allows you to track your van in real-time. They are available in both hardwired and battery powered models to allow for flexibility and mobility. These systems can also be fitted with a variety of features and mounts to meet your needs. For instance, they may have multiple cameras or an adjustable camera position. In addition, a partition can be used in conjunction with security signs that are visible and audible alarms to provide additional protection. You can also buy an unobtrusive lockbox that can be concealed inside your van. This allows you to secure keep a spare key. 6. Brand your van The space in your van is essentially free advertising. If you do it right, branding can help you gain new customers and increase the visibility of your business. It can also discourage criminals, since an attractive and well-designed van sign will advertise your business to potential thieves, and also inform that they are not allowed to use the tools or valuables you may have in your. There are a few different ways to brand your vehicle The most popular is probably magnetic signs that can be removed easily without causing damage to your vehicle's paintwork. Vinyl wraps are more expensive however they provide some protection from dents & will last for years. Employ a professional graphic designer or sign writer to design a unique look that will look stunning on your vehicle. But make sure they've worked with security upgrades. It's important to confirm that your van is Category 2 certified. You can also add a slamlock, a catalytic convertor lock or even a partition to increase the security of your van. It's worthwhile to shop around to find the best deal. Some insurers offer discounts for installing additional security measures. Inform your insurance provider of any modifications that you make to your vehicle. Make sure your van's safety is upgraded to protect your investment and ensure it is always secure.