Best Van Security Devices To Prevent Theft & Break-Ins

If you depend on a van for your company, the equipment or items in your van are of great value to you as well. Vans are not cheap, and if they’re being used to move goods or store expensive tools, you definitely won’t want to be a victim of theft.

Van theft is sadly on the up. Recent studies completed by Ironmongery Direct found that 23% of tradespeople had actually experienced a van break-in within the last 5 years. According to the study, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands were found to be the worst affected areas where just under 3,000 break-ins and thefts were reported to the Police. Remarkably, London was the location that experienced the least break-ins and van thefts where only 2 reported cases took place.

Luckily, there are plenty of van safety and security devices readily available that may be able to protect your van as well as the goods you store inside it …

Door Locks

Typical van locks can be broken easily, and a door lock is the best way to stop thieves from entering your van as many won’t even attempt to break-in in as soon as they’re aware that a door lock is in place. A highly regarded door lock is the Stoplock which is fitted to the back van doors and makes it harder for burglars to pry the doors open with a bar as the gadget connects the two doors together. The gadget can also utilised on sliding van doors. It’s especially useful for vans that already have a weak lock mechanism and functions as an extra security measure for the van.

The Stoplock is straightforward to use for van owners once it has been installed, and can be simply unlocked with a key. However, it does require the door skin to be drilled and a professional may be needed depending upon the van owners’ confidence in fitting the device.

Just how much is it? Prices start from ₤ 25 + fitting *.

Where can I get one? Stop Locks are easily available with a number of online sellers and of course, Amazon.

A Steering Wheel Lock.

This is an old device but it is still very effective, the standard steering wheel lock is the one of the most reliable ways to prevent thieves from driving away in your van. Suggested by the police, and top security specialists, the steering wheel lock is one of one of the most prominent safety and security gadgets for vans and cars alike, and they also can potentially to reduce your insurance.

The locks come in various sizes for different sized steering wheels and we suggest picking a quality brand that includes a cover to protect the wheel as well as a bag for when the lock isn’t being used. Our suggestion would be the Disklok, as it’s a sought after favourite that features a bag and cover.

How much is it? Prices start from ₤ 99.00 *.

Where can I buy one? The Disklok is stocked in a variety of online stores including Amazon.

An Area Tracker.

If your van is taken, you’re likely to be out of work for some time, unless you get a replacement but you’ll also be hugely out of pocket as most vans are never recovered by Police. Thankfully, a tracking system can be used to locate the vehicle and it will send out the tracking details to the police and aid them in capturing the culprits.

The police use in-car devices to track the van in real time increasing the opportunity to recover the vehicle for you as well as arresting the thieves.

How much is it? Costs start from around ₤ 200 depending on the brand, and most require annual subscriptions of around ₤ 100 *.

Where to buy one? Tracker.co.uk.

Dash Cam

The main function of a dashboard camera is to tape road traffic incidents/accidents and offer insurance providers with proof of which party is at fault. Nonetheless, dashboard cam’s are also fantastic for capturing crooks in the act, however can also attract criminals if they remain in obvious sight within your van.

We strongly advise vehicle owners to keep your dash cam out of sight when you’re not driving/when the van is parked to avoid a break in. Lots of dash cams have an auto parking mode with an activity sensor that locates any type of nearby moving objects, meaning they will start recording once they sense an object near your vehicle. Although the dash cam might not prevent a thief from breaking into your van, it can at the very least help with identifying them.

Our advice for a high quality dash cam is Nextbase, they’re picture quality is extremely high which is beneficial in theft situations.

The Cost? The costs start from around ₤ 149.99 for a commercial dash cam *.

Where can I obtain one? Nextbase.co.uk.

Ladder clamp

If you’re a tradesperson, you’ll more than likely need to strap or attach a ladder to the roof of your van. Considering that ladders are simply placed on top of the van, it can be quite an easy target for thieves to steal.

However, this doesn’t need to be the case, thanks to a brand-new ladder clamping device. Investing in a Rhino Safe Clamp will provide extra security for roof-mounted ladders, and ladder can simply be removed with the owners key.

Coupling the Safe Clamp with Rhino’s ladder racking system makes it even easier to remove your ladder even if you have a high-roof van.

Cost? Around ₤ 70. Check out their website as they usually run offers.

What is their website??– RhinoRoofRacks.com.

Van Storage Space System

Whilst it’s more secure to take out your equipment/tools from the van at the end of your working day, and store them in your home or workplace, this may not be an option for you.

If this is the case, keeping your tools inside a locked place within the van could be the best option for you. Van tools and equipment are secured inside locked drawers and cabinets, rather than just being placed in the back of the van, easily accessible to thieves that do manage to break into.

Price of a Van Storage Space System? Starts from around ₤ 120 *.

Where to buy? VanVault.co.uk.

Catalytic Converter Lock.

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in catalytic converter thefts as criminals cash in by selling them for scrap. The reason for this, is due to the valuable rare metals such as palladium and platinum, these metals exist in the emissions control system. Thankfully, a new device has actually been developed to prevent the theft of catalytic converters from vans. The device is a clamp which covers the entire catalytic converter and is attached to the framework of the vehicle with aircraft-grade steel cabling making it extremely difficult and complicated for fast and simple removal. If something is going to take a thief a lot of time, they run higher risk of being caught.

How much? From ₤ 150 *.

Where can I buy it? CatClamp.com.

Window safety and security film

Having anything of value on show in your van resembles an open invitation to a thief, in fact, it almost acts like a ‘come on in’ sign. Some thieves could just be strolling past without having any intention to take anything, however after they see something beneficial in the van, it may quickly change their mind.

A protection film on the van windows can stop this from happening by deflecting by framing splintered objects such as glass or wood between the two film layers. Some van thief’s still may have the ability to go into the vehicle, but it will require a whole lot work and also time which as we said, will deter a thief. Adding a protective film will also protect against any glass from getting into right into the cab.

How much is it? Cost differs depending on the size needed, make and model *.

Where can I get one? As this tool needs to be fitted by an expert, the best option is to look for a local supplier.

However, all the above measures can deter thieves from breaking into your van, they are not 100% guaranteed to stop thieves.

This is where insurance coverage comes into play. Having the ideal van insurance policy is vital if you utilize your van for business purposes. Van insurance coverage is designed to cover the expense equipment and tools that were in the van as well as pay to fix damages, if they are caused. This also includes cover if van is stolen, having the right van insurance can assist you in getting a replacement van so you can continue completing work/jobs.

Without having a van insurance policy, the owner is solely responsible for covering any kind of expenses related to damage of the vehicle, getting a new van and damage or theft of the equipment/tools inside the vehicle — every one of which can be extremely pricey.

Before your van is targeted, it’s important to get a van insurance quote from companies such as Constructaquote, so if you do find yourself in the situation of van theft you’ll have a decent van insurance policy in place and this will certainly give you peace of mind that everything will be dealt with promptly, without it having to burn a deep hole in your pocket and also affecting the cash flow your business.