Why bother with van security when most vehicle manufacturers give you everything you need on the forecourt? Well, just like your van, you need more than just the stock fittings to do your job to the best degree you can – and sadly, thieves are constantly adapting to the newest technologies offered by van makers. It pays to consider additional options, and we’re here to talk you through the best ones available on the market.
Don’t leave things to chance – your van may be your livelihood, and it pays dividends to keep it as secure as possible.
Free defence through common sense
Before we get to the various things you can install on your vehicle, it pays to consider tips that protect your valuables for absolutely nothing.
A secure garage, or at least a driveway
Although many people might not have a garage big enough to put a van away each evening, if the option’s there, take it. For many would-be thieves, it’s out of sight, out of mind. That said, if you don’t have that, even a gated driveway’s enough to put some off – especially if you have a padlock to hand.
Park under street lights…
It’s a tip as old as time – if your van can be seen easily, people won’t be as willing to go for it. Aim for more popular roads for added protection
…near CCTV…
CCTV’s everywhere, especially around shops, main thoroughfares or business parks.
…or with your back to the wall
You may already have a sturdy lock in place on your real doors, but if you have a vehicle without side doors, back up to a wall – there’s no chance anyone can get in unless they have an angle grinder.
Unload your van
Nothing can be stolen from your van if there’s nothing in it. Unload your vehicle, especially if you’re not going near it for a little while.
Paying your way to safety
Depending on your budget, you could effectively turn your van into Fort Knox in just a few days. Still, it’s important to consider your options, circumstances and van use before you dive head first into huge bills for any work.
However, it’s also worth remembering that a well-protected van could mean much lower insurance costs – and the bulk-buying and fitting of the same accredited systems could potentially recoup your outlay costs through any policy in a short period of time.
Upgrade your alarm
These days, van alarms are very clever indeed – from being more easily tripped in specific danger zones to sending you a text message when your van is triggered, you could deter thieves a lot easier at this first, trusty port of call.
Double down on locks
What’s better than one lock? Two. Or three. Four, if you’re really paranoid, but you get the idea – fitting deadlocks to your doors, or a standard double lock, could make short work of attempted break-ins.
GPS trackers
If your van’s gone walkabouts without you in it – should a plucky thief get in and get it running – consider tracking it with the latest (or even several-year-old) GPS technology. You can relay the information to the police, too.
In-cab motion detection cameras
If there’s movement in your cab without you being in it, a camera can record those inside. It doesn’t use power from the van battery – it only switches on when it detects movement. What’s more, you can even watch it in real-time on your phone.
Immobilise the thief
Immobilisers are worth their weight in gold, and they’re getting cleverer by the day. From those that require a certain trick or two to disengage them – stopping thieves before they’ve even started your van – to those that lock a thief inside and stop them going faster than 10mph, there are some great options out there to suit your budget.
Modify the van to work around you
Ever thought about modifying seats to hide lockboxes? Or moving switches to open the rear doors so only you know how to find them? Sometimes a little ingenuity can make the most of your van.
There are countless options out there, but remember: speak with your insurer before you fit anything. After all, you could invalidate your cover if there’s something that doesn’t match their specifications. Besides, if there’s something else that lowers your cost of coverage, you could be doing yourself a favour!
