Protect Your Van With Van Security Systems
Vans are crucial to the livelihood of a lot of tradesmen in the UK and can be an easy target for thieves who want to take valuable equipment or tools. Security systems for your van will help to reduce the risk, giving you peace of mind so that you can concentrate on your work and leisure.
Locks
Locks are a fundamental aspect of van security systems, helping to protect your valuable equipment, tools and personal belongings from theft. They also affect your insurance premiums, meaning that selecting the right locks is essential if you wish to avoid costly penalties.
There are many van security locks available on the market each with its own benefits and features. Understanding how each can help you secure your vehicle will allow you to make an informed decision in selecting the best lock for your needs.
Deadlocks, for example, are a great way to deter theft by preventing the burglar from grabbing or slamming the lock. Slam locks on the other hand, automatically engage when your door is shut. This makes them difficult to manipulate if you don't have access to your vehicle.
Another popular way to secure your van is using a wheel clamp. They are designed to prevent thieves from taking the wheels of your vehicle, which would prevent them from taking the contents of your van. They are particularly helpful in urban areas where vans are more likely be targeted by thieves for their parts or tools.
Alarms are, in the end, an effective deterrent to thieves, as they typically sound loud enough to attract attention and scare away potential thieves. There are a variety of van alarms, ranging from basic systems to Thatcham-approved systems. Each comes with its own advantages and benefits.
For instance TVL's RepLock is high-security lock that blocks the handles and locking mechanisms of your vehicle's doors making it difficult to manipulate or open. It is currently a factory-fitting option on the Ford Transit Custom and can be used in conjunction with other security measures such as a steering wheel lock or parking in a secure spot to provide a strong security level.
Alarms
Van theft is a major problem for tradespeople as well as people who live the van lifestyle, with the average loss of cargo being PS4,250. A visible alarm system acts as a deterrent for thieves and makes it difficult for people with people with no experience to break into your van. The alarm will sound and the ignition will be cut off if a criminal attempts to steal your vehicle. This means they'll be forced to give up their illicit gains and leave your vehicle empty.
There are many retrofit alarms that can be put on your van's side and rear to guard the windows and doors. These are usually set off by sensors that detect impacts and movement. They can be fitted to most campervans, pickup trucks and vans. Some have a load-area siren as well as a brackets that can secure the cargo space as well.
A security camera is a excellent way to detect theft. It can be used to watch your van when you're not at it. There are many options that include intelligent motion detection alerts night vision capabilities, as well as mobile connectivity so you can monitor your vehicle at all times.
A dashcam can also be an excellent investment for vanlifers, as it can assist in catching the perpetrators of hit and run or crash for cash incidents. It is also useful to ensure that your vehicle is legally parked when parking in risky areas.
Immobilisers
Immobilisers make it virtually impossible for thieves steal your van. By connecting to your vehicle's electrical system, they block the vehicle from being driven unless you enter a particular code on a key fob or mobile application. These devices are especially useful in situations where you must leave your vehicle unattended when traveling or camping for a long period of time. They can notify you of any suspicious activities.
Having an immobiliser fitted can also help to lower the cost of insurance for your van since insurance companies often offer discounted rates for customers that have an immobiliser installed. It's important to find an approved, high-quality model that will safeguard your vehicle to the greatest extent possible.
Some immobilisers can also be used in conjunction with alarm systems to provide an additional layer of security. A minimum system should include the keypad base station, entry sensor with motion detector. You can also include an alarm for smoke to inspect the interior of your van for signs of fire.
Vans can be fitted with additional security features including pedal and gearlever locks as well as steering wheel locks. These are designed to prevent theft. Some even feature anti-pick cylinder locks which make it difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle. Another option is locks that slam automatically to secure doors when you shut them, and wire window screens to stop thieves from accessing your valuable tools through windows.
Vans from #vanlife can carry a lot of expensive equipment, tools and other items. An attack or theft could cost you thousands of pounds in replacements - so it's essential to take all the steps you can to keep your vehicle safe. The positive side is that with the latest technology and smart parking techniques, it's now easier than ever to safeguard your van.
Tracking
You can track your van's location anytime with a van security system that comes with an electronic tracker. This provides peace of mind as you know that your van is secure and safe. It also assists with administration by letting you know how long a driver been on the road or at a job site, helping with hours of service compliance and improving productivity.
The tracking system you have installed can help police locate a vehicle in the event that it was stolen. Adding this tracker to your vehicle will also cut down on insurance costs since many insurance companies consider these devices to be a great security measure against thieves.
These systems can be paired with a variety of sensors including RFID and GPS. RFID systems are ideal for vans that travel to warehouses or logistic centres. GPS systems are powered by passive or active monitoring. They are ideal for vehicles that travel frequently, because they can download data in real time.
Geofence zones can be put in place around a garage or house to alert you when your van leaves that area. This is useful for company vehicles or vans lent to employees, as you can make sure that they are being used properly. This will also stop the misuse of your assets by employees.
You can also monitor vans at any point via your smartphone app to monitor the van in real-time. Many of the most recent van cameras have cellular capabilities and can save video recordings that can be viewed offline without relying on the WiFi in campgrounds. This is particularly beneficial for vans that will be without cell phone service for a long period of time on backcountry roads.
Maintenance
If your vehicle manufacturer doesn't offer additional security features as an option, it is worth checking out what private companies can do. Ask your leasing company if they are able to install any extras to enhance the security of your vehicle. They might even give you discounts on the insurance for your van.
There are several types of van security locks but a deadlock is one of the most effective. It is a lock installed on a van's doors that requires a separate key to operate, making it extremely difficult to open. These locks are suggested for vans that carry expensive equipment or is parked in areas that have high rates of crime.
Slam locks, which shut automatically when you shut the door, are an excellent option. They are great for couriers and drivers with short-drops who not be aware of the need to secure their vehicle. They can also be combined together with a deadlock to provide the best protection against van burglaries. Other options for security include shackle locks that lock the two sides of a door together, so that they can't be opened without removing the lock.
External shields and anti peel brackets are also useful security tools for vans. work van security function as a visual barrier against criminals. They're often combined with a hook lock for side and rear doors, which is the most effective van burglary prevention solution. In the end installing a GPS tracker won't stop your vehicle from being stolen, but it will make it much more difficult for thieves to sell the device to or use it in criminal activity. It's becoming increasingly affordable to install these devices, too.