Van Security: Tips To Keep Thieves Out And Your Tools Safe
Van security and the scourge of tool theft is in the spotlight right now but while the issue should be taken seriously if your livelihood depends on your van, there are solutions to ensuring criminals are kept at bay.
If you’ve experienced the misfortune of having your van damaged during criminal activity, had its contents thieved or – worst of all – had the entire van stolen altogether, then you’ll be all too aware of the stress and strain brought on by such incidents; not just financially but mentally too.
You might also be aware that you aren’t alone in experiencing this with a study by Direct Line in 2022 revealing tool theft occurs every 15 minutes in the UK at a combined cost of £66 million annually. That’s almost 100 thefts every day - and it’s a figure that is still on the rise.
With more than 60% tradespeople surveyed claiming to have been a victim of tool theft from vans at least once, it’s become more imperative than ever to ensure key measures are taken to deter and withhold would-be thieves.
Why Van Security Is So Important
The impact of van-related crimes is myriad, particularly among those who rely more heavily on their vehicle to conduct their work or if it is imperative for them to carry out their livelihood.
Beyond the undeniable stress and anxiety brought on by such an incident, depending on the severity of the crime and the subsequent losses, it can go as far as forcing tradespeople to stop working for a time, significantly impacting revenue.
On average, claims relating to van damage and theft run into the thousands of pounds, and this is even before you consider the ancillary impact on mental wellbeing, business reputation and the steep costs of repairing, replacing or recovering items.
For those seeking invaluable peace of mind, Vansdirect has partnered with ProtectAVan to help sole traders, fleet managers and rental companies alike keep their van and belongings secure with a range of packages to suit your individual needs.
But you can also follow these simple top tips to keep thieves out...
The Most Common Methods Of Van Crime
One of the most effective measures of defence against van thefts is taking the time to understand the different methods used to carry out such crimes. Having a strong idea of how vans are targeted by criminals gives you a better idea of which steps you can take to keep your valuables safe.
- Smash & Grab
The so-called ‘smash & grab’ is somewhat multi-faceted in effect and can range from access being gained by smashed windows, damaging the doors or destroying the locking system.
What You Can Do To Stop Van Break-Ins
Secure Parking: Using brute force is more likely to attract attention, thus reinforcing the importance of ensuring your van is parked in a secure location at all times.
If you park in public, particularly overnight, try to park in a well-lit area and within sight of CCTV, or better within a securely monitored car park. Avoid dark side roads or alleyways that could naturally obscure any would-be thieves.
At home, park up against a solid object– such as a garage or a side-wall – to limit potential door access. If you park on a driveway, consider your own CCTV system or motion-sensor lighting.
Remove Tools: It’s all very well and good having a sign that says ‘No Tools Left In Van Overnight’ but it is important you adhere to it too – and don’t just take our word for it, this a key piece of advice other tradespeople insist upon!
Keep Van Locked At All Times: This might sound logical but even leaving belongings on display can prompt a crime of opportunity with devastating effects. If you’re out on a job and inclined to keep the doors open to allow for more convenient access, make sure the van is visible and close at all times.
Moreover, do not forget to close the windows, pull doors shut and lock them any time you are outside the vehicle. This applies to delivery drivers who might neglect to do so when making even a quick drop. Remember, some criminals need only a couple of seconds to wreak havoc.
- Peel & Steal
A growing concern in the van industry is the use of ‘peel and steal’, which is a way of wrenching – or peeling – door panels down to gain access to the van. Its popularity is perpetuated by the sliding door panel generally being thinner, lighter and easier to penetrate that other panels on the van.
Parking smartly – with the van’s side-door flush to a wall or building - will go a long way deterring thieves when the vehicle is unattended, but where this is not possible, you can also consider one of the many approved ProtectAVan security packages available through Vansdirect.
What You Can Do To Secure Against Peel & Steal
HookLock: Similar to the DeadLock, the HookLock uses a secondary mortice lock that works separately from the manufacturer's system. The hook slots into a specially designed keep and can only be operated by a key. This brings you an additional level of security to help deter thieves.
ProtektaPlate: With a ProtektaPlate, you'll have the upper hand when it comes to would-be van thieves. It features an internal anti-drill plate made from manganese steel, offering both a visual and physical deterrent.
ArmourShell: The ArmourShell is an external, semi-automatic lock that features anti-drill inserts and a steel locking bolt. Available in two sizes, it bolts to the doors of your van and holds them shut using a bullet cylinder. An excellent all-around deterrent, it has earned Sold Secure Automotive Gold Accreditation.
DoorKeepers: DoorKeepers are designed specifically to withstand potential ‘peel and steal’ attacks. They consist of brackets specially designed to fix to the vehicle doors, strengthening them and protecting you against exactly this kind of opportunistic theft.
- Key Fob Hacking
Automotive crime has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years with key fob hacking ranking as the most used tool by criminals to commit car thefts.
Thieves can use a device that communicates with the fob to relay the signal, which is then used to imitate the key code and trick the vehicle’s security system into unlocking.
How To Stop Your Key Fob Being Hacked
Faraday Sleeve: Many of you out there might already own a wallet made from RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) blocking material to stop your contactless bank cards from being activated. A faraday sleeve to house your key – either in your pocket or in your house – works in a similar way by thwarting fob-hacking devices for an easy and cost-effective solution.
- Van Part Thefts
It isn’t just the contents of a van that are under threat from opportunistic thieves – the exposed mechanicals underneath are also a known target for criminals.
This is particularly true for catalytic converters, which contains valuable metals and can be used for sale online or exported out of the country. Since access to a catalytic converter is gained under the vehicle, vans – which can have a higher ground clearance than cars – are more likely to be targeted for theft.
Preventable Measures:
CATLOCS: Locks can be installed on catalytic converters, securing them to the chassis of the vehicle and thus making them far more difficult to remove. Vansdirect security partner ProtectAVan offers a range of devices that can be retrofitted to vans to ensure peace of mind.
- Other Security Measures To Consider
There are multiple ways to better protect your van and your belongings, many of which are relatively simple, cost-free measures – such as smart parking, removing tools and always locking. Make them part of your ritual and it really could make the difference between keeping your van and belongings safe and facing thousands in costs.
For those who’d prefer to go the extra security mile, there is also:
GPS Tracking: Should the worst-case scenario occurs and your van is stolen altogether, a discreetly-located GPS tracker located on the van should allow you to locate your vehicle remotely as the crime is occurring. Such devices mean there is a greater chance of law enforcement catching up with the criminals and ensuring the safe return of your vehicle and its contents.
Ultraviolet Markings: It is known that tools are particularly difficult to trace back to owners once they are stolen, while the lack of identification can make it difficult for police to use them as evidence for a possible crime. As such, putting down markings that are only visible when under an ultraviolet light could help in recovering stolen items back to their rightful owners if they are seized.
Steering Wheel Locks: Visible security fixed onto steering wheels can often be enough to deter would-be thieves from attempting break-ins, much less get it removed quickly enough in order to drive the vehicle away, without being caught.
