13 Things About Van Security You May Not Have Known
Easy to Install Van Security Measures There are several easy-to-install security measures that can help strengthen your van's security. Simple things such as parking in areas that have CCTV coverage and placing up a 'tools should not be stored in this van overnight' sticker can assist. Physical theft prevention devices like steering locks, pedal locks and hook lock catch are also efficient. Make sure to select locks that are certified by Thatcham. 1. Lock the doors Many van drivers use the vehicles to transport expensive tools and equipment. This makes them a prime target for opportunistic thieves. The possibility of having your van smashed can stop you carrying out your tasks and may cause you to lose your livelihood. Ensure your van is securely secured when you're not using it, and ensure the keys are kept out of sight. Parking in well-lit, open areas with a large public presence can hinder criminals. Specialists can replace standard locks to more difficult-to-break alternatives. Dealer-fit RepLocks for Ford Transit vans are a excellent example, as are pedals and wheel clamps locks. Lock shields are another option, as they protect the area of the lock by using the use of a metal plate that is impossible to drill through. They also prevent bolt cutting. Another alternative is a slam lock, which automatically locks the doors to your load area when you close them but requires an entry key. They are great for vans that have multiple drop locations and couriers. They can also be fitted with a hook lock, which provides greater protection to the rear and side doors. Another alternative is an engine immobiliser. While it won't stop theft, it will stop your vehicle from starting without the right key. They are typically installed on newer vans, but can also be retrofitted on older models. 2. Secure the cap to the fuel filler. The vast majority of vans run on diesel or petrol engines and thieves could gain access to the fuel tank by removing wheel trims, and then lowering the fuel cap with the aid of a tool. There are many methods to secure this area of your vehicle, such as locking the cap with a padlock or using a strong metal cable that secures it in place. A majority of these cables are also equipped with a light, which can be triggered by the movement of your vehicle and alert you of any suspicious activity in your van. A pedal lock, or steering lock is another physical deterrent. It stops the wheel and pedals being used to drive your vehicle away. They can be secured with the use of a key, and they are difficult to remove without the help of an angle grinder or other specialist tools. Of course, these van security ideas are only effective if remember to implement them! So, ensure that securing your van is part of your everyday routine, and always secure the doors when you're not in it. security locks for van 's also worth considering an engine immobiliser for your vehicle – these are usually built into new models but can be fitted to older vehicles as well. They stop the engine from starting if it doesn't have the correct key, and most come with a Thatcham Cat 1 rating which can lower your insurance premiums. 3. Install a lock with a slamlock The back of your van is vulnerable to swindlers if not locked properly. There are a variety of van locks that can safeguard your cargo. They include deadlocks and slam locks. Both locks offer protection for your van's cargo but a slamlock would be better for those who use their vehicle's rear frequently such as couriers or multi-drop drivers. These locks are designed to automatically lock the van's door once it is closed. You don't need to worry about forgetting your van's doors when you're in a hurry. They also act as a visual deterrent to thieves. These are perfect for multi-drop drivers because they stop the temptation of leaving vehicles unlocked too long. Our slam locks can be fitted to vehicles specific and therefore you can be certain that they will fit. Our locksmiths are able to install these locks on site. We also offer a training program to locksmiths who want to offer this service in order to stop the plethora of commercial vehicle break-ins. The slam lock kit that we use on our training course is the Garrison Slamlock. This is an electronic slam lock that integrates with the vehicle manufacturer's locking system to provide Maximum Security and a simple installation. It eliminates the need for a vehicle driver to physically open the door handle. This helps ensure that it is in compliance with Health & Safety at Work legislation and Corporate Manslaughter laws. 4. Install an electronic catalytic lock Catalytic converters are essential to your vehicle's emissions control However, they also contain precious metals, which make them an attractive target for thieves. Installing a lock on your catalytic converter is a cheap option to deter theft. It provides an physical barrier as well as a visual deterrent. This small investment can save you from the expense of a replacement and the hassle of driving around in a non-operational car. There are many different types of catalytic lock systems available. These range from simple cable locks to more complex systems that use sensors to detect heat or vibrations. While the effectiveness of these devices varies but they all work as an effective deterrent for potential thieves. One of the most popular options is a clamp-and-cable device that can be plugged into your catalytic converter. It also has a cable-locking mechanism to keep it secure. These are easy to find on Amazon and can be used with almost every vehicle. Some even come with an orange-colored coating that helps make the catalytic converter stand out, while others are made of stainless steel for greater cut resistance.
Another option is to get your catalytic converter engraved with your vehicle identification number. This will make it easier for authorities or scrap dealers to trace the component back to its owner, and can act as an effective deterrent to theft. security locks for van can also make the catalytic converter fluorescent in order to make it more noticeable. This won't stop thieves completely, but it may discourage them from attempting to remove it and earn an immediate profit from its price of resale. 5. Install a partition A partition for your van is a great choice for those who are concerned about the vulnerability of their cargo space. It's a steel partition that separates your van's rear from the driver's compartment. This allows you to store things like First Aid kits, reflective kits and fire extinguishers while still being able to drive your vehicle safely. A partition also acts as a deterrent, because it stops thieves from gaining access to the rear of your vehicle. This is a particularly useful security measure for older vans that don't feature fuel cap locks that can be accessed without much effort using simple tools. A partition could also be fitted with motion detectors that monitor the movement of people inside and outside of your vehicle. These systems function as a home alarm system. They will alert you if there is any violation or any tampering. Certain systems also offer GPS tracking, which allows you to track your van in real time. These systems can be wired into your van or battery-powered for flexibility and portability. They're often also available with a variety of mounts and features that suit your needs, such as the ability to adjust the camera's position and multiple camera capacity. A partition can also be fitted with audible alarms or visible security signs for further security. You can also buy an invisible lockbox that is discreetly secured inside your van. This allows you to secure store keys that you may not use. 6. Brand your van Your van's space is basically free advertisement. If security lock for van manage it right, branding can aid in attracting new business and increase the visibility of your company. It can also deter criminals as an attractive, well-designed signage on your van will announce your business and warn any potential thieves of the tools or valuables you may have inside. There are several methods to identify your van The most popular is probably magnetic signs which are easily removed without causing damage to your vehicle's paintwork. Vinyl wraps can be more expensive but they provide some protection against scratches and last for many years. Hire a professional graphics or sign writer to create a unique design that will look amazing on your van. Make sure they are experienced in installing security upgrades. The majority of modern vans are equipped with alarms and immobiliser systems however it is worth checking to ensure that yours is Thatcham Category 2 approved. You can also install an slam lock or a catalytic converter lock or even a partition to enhance the security of your van. Certain insurance companies will lower your premiums if you add extra security measures, so it's always worth comparing for the best deal. Be sure to inform your insurance company of any modifications you make to your van. Making the effort to upgrade your van's security can help you protect your investment and ensure it's safe throughout the day.