Van security tips – how to keep your van and its contents safe

Security is a key priority for van owners throughout the year, so it’s a pretty safe bet that it’s an item that’s consistently high on your agenda too. The need for robust van security has been underlined by the recent news of a spate of van break-ins over in Wiltshire, apparently all the work of the same criminal gang. Understandably, that’s got tradespeople all over the country a bit concerned – so once you’ve landed your favourite vehicle from the best van deals, your next question is probably going to be: what’s the best way to protect it?

Well, we’ve got a couple of ideas!

Get into good habits

OK, so let’s start simple. There are some handily sophisticated gadgets on the market these days, but even just a few consistent security habits can go a long way to significantly reducing the risk of theft. Here’s a quick summary:

• Park in secure, well-lit areas
• Park against a wall or solid surface
• Remove visible tools or equipment
• Keep keys secure at all times

So, the first step is to make parking decisions with security in mind. If possible, always aim to park in a secure, well-monitored location. Secure car parks or private spaces offer the most protection, but if these aren’t available, look for well-lit areas in public places. Most prospective thieves are opportunists rather than career criminals, so they’re much less likely to target a van parked under a streetlamp or near a busy area, where they risk being noticed.

Another easy habit to develop is parking your van against a wall or another solid surface. Not only does this make it more difficult for a thief to access the side doors, but handily it also restricts entry to the back of the vehicle too. The more physical barriers you can create, the harder it will be for someone to break in unnoticed.

And it’s worth stating the obvious here – perhaps one of the most important habits you can adopt is making sure you never leave tools or valuables visible in your van. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to a break-in, especially if the van is left unattended. Always remove valuable equipment from the vehicle when not in use, particularly overnight. If this isn’t possible, consider using a tool storage box inside the van to keep items out of sight and secure.

Lastly, a simple but often overlooked habit is ensuring your keys are kept secure at all times. That means never leaving your keys unattended or easily accessible – you may want to think about buying a key safe.

Consider visible deterrents

Sometimes, a visible deterrent can be more than enough on its own. For example:

• Display “No tools left overnight” signage
• Use a steering wheel lock

Again, a lot of this comes down to the fact that most prospective thieves are opportunists, and therefore they’re easily deterred if it looks like the risk to reward ratio will be too high for them. One worthwhile measure to deter them is to display a sign that clearly states: “No tools left overnight in this van.” This not only shows that you take security seriously, but it also reinforces the idea that there’s nothing of value left inside to steal – so there’s no point in breaking into the vehicle in the first place. (Just remember to make sure that your van lives up to the claim – don’t leave tools visible when the van is unattended!)

A steering wheel lock is another strong visible deterrent. Not only does it act as a physical barrier that makes it harder to drive the van away, but the sight of a steering wheel lock in place sends a clear message: this van is not an easy target. While a steering wheel lock is by no means a foolproof method, it can be enough to convince a would-be thief to look for a less secure vehicle.

Simple but effective security measures

The most effective security measures are often simple and practical. Some of the most (understandably) popular of them include:

• High-security locks
• Alarm systems
• Thatcham-approved immobilisers
• Window security film
• A lockable storage box

Obviously, strong locks for your van doors and windows are amongst the best ways to make sure your van stays secure. Look for locks that are rated for their strength and reliability, and consider upgrading standard locks with ones that are harder to break into. While locks may seem like a small upgrade, they can provide big benefits.

Another valuable security measure is an alarm system, as well as a Thatcham-approved immobiliser, ideally one that’s built into the vehicle. These are designed to make it difficult to bypass the vehicle’s engine start system – and in fact they’re often a requirement for insurance purposes.

If your van has large windows or vulnerable glass, adding window security film can be an effective way to protect your van. The toughened film helps to hold shattered glass together if broken, which can make it a lot harder to get into the cabin through the windows – and again be a deciding factor in a successful or abandoned break-in attempt.

Finally, never underestimate the value of securing your tools and equipment with a lockable tool storage box inside your van. This provides an added layer of protection for your items, keeping them out of sight and safe from prying eyes. And for a commercial vehicle that regularly carries high-value equipment, it could prevent thousands of pounds’ worth of damage or loss.

Useful measures for evidence gathering or van retrieval

In the unlikely (but not impossible) event that your van is stolen, having the right tracking and identification systems in place can make all the difference – not least to your peace of mind. For example, you may want to:

• Install a GPS tracking system
• Set up motion-activated cameras
• Mark your tools with UV pens or unique identifiers

A GPS tracker is fairly straightforward as recommendations go – it enables you to monitor the van’s movements in real-time, so you can track it if it’s stolen. Many systems alert you to suspicious activity, such as the vehicle being driven outside of a set perimeter.

In addition to a tracking system, motion-activated cameras can help you monitor your vehicle, particularly if it’s parked in a more remote or less secure area. These cameras only activate when motion is detected, reducing the need for constant monitoring, but providing valuable evidence if something does go wrong. It’s not unheard of for people breaking into vans to forget to cover their face – which can sometimes prove instrumental in catching them.

And here’s one that a lot of people underestimate – using ultraviolet (UV) pens, permanent markers, or paint allows you to clearly identify your van and its contents in the event of a theft. Security experts recommend marking valuable tools and equipment with a unique identifier, such as a serial number or personalised code, which can make recovery much easier. Taking photographs of your van, tools, and other equipment is also a good precaution, as keeping a record of serial numbers or unique identifying features can be useful if you later need to prove ownership.

Those are just a couple of our most universal recommendations – when it comes right down to it, you’re the best person to decide how best to protect your van. As for us, we’ll focus on what we’ve always done best – giving you the very best cheap van deals. You can even enjoy up to 30% off the RRP of selected models! Call now on 01282 872 530 to take advantage of our expert advice and the best new van deals today.