Protect Your Van With Van Security Systems
Vans are essential to the livelihood of many tradesmen in the UK and can be an ideal target for thieves looking to steal valuable tools or equipment. Making sure your van is secured with security systems can help mitigate the risk and provide peace of mind to concentrate on your leisure or work activities.
Locks
Locks are a crucial part of van security systems. They safeguard your valuable tools, equipment and personal belongings from theft. They also impact the cost of insurance, which means that picking the right lock is crucial if you want to avoid costly penalties.
There are numerous van security locks available on market, each with its own benefits and features. Knowing how they can aid in protecting your van you to make educated choices when selecting the best lock for your requirements.
Deadlocks, for instance are a great tool to stop theft by preventing the criminal from picking or slamming the lock. In addition, slam locks will automatically open when the door is closed making them impossible to alter without access to your vehicle.
Another popular method to secure your van is using a wheel clamp. They are designed to deter thieves from taking your vehicle's wheels, leaving them unable to steal contents of your van. They are particularly useful in urban areas where vans are more likely be targeted by thieves looking for their tools or parts.
Finally, alarms are an effective deterrent for criminals, as they generally sound loud enough to attract attention and scare away potential burglars. There are many kinds of van alarms available that range from basic alarms to those that are approved by Thatcham. Each one has its own advantages and features.
TVL's RepLock is a good example. It is a high security lock that blocks your vehicle's handles and locking mechanisms which makes it difficult to manipulate. It is currently a factory-fitting option on the Ford Transit Custom and can be combined with other security measures, such as the steering wheel lock or parking in a secure spot to provide a strong degree of security.
Alarms
Van theft is a serious issue for both tradespeople and those who are living the van lifestyle. The average loss of cargo costs about PS4,250. Visible alarm systems discourage thieves and make it difficult to break into your vehicle. If someone tries to steal your van the alarm will go off and the ignition will cut off. This means they'll be forced to abandon their ill-gotten gains and take your vehicle away.
Several purpose-built retrofit alarms are available to be fitted on the sides and back of your van to safeguard doors as well as windows. These are usually set off with built-in sensors that detect the impact and movement. They can be mounted on the majority of campervans and pickup trucks and vans. Some have an area siren for loading and a brackets that can protect the cargo space as well.
A security camera can also be used to monitor and deter theft when you are away from your van. There are many options that come with smart motion detection alerts, night vision capability and cellular connectivity to ensure you can monitor your vehicle at all times.
Dashcams are also a great investment for vanlifers since they can be used to capture hit-and-runs or crashes for cash. It can also be helpful for ensuring your vehicle is parked legally when parking in areas that are risky.
Immobilisers
An immobiliser makes it nearly impossible for thieves to take your van. By connecting to your van's electrics, they prevent the van from being driven until you enter a particular code on a key fob or mobile application. They are particularly useful if you need to leave your van unattended for long periods of time, whether you are traveling or camping, as they can alert you to any suspicious activity.
Installing an immobiliser will also reduce your van insurance rates since many insurance companies offer discounts to those who have the device installed. It's essential to choose one that has been approved by Thatcham and provides the maximum protection for your vehicle.
Certain immobilisers can be combined with alarm systems for an additional layer of security. The basic system should include the base station, keypad and entry sensor (with motion detector). You can also include a smoke detector to monitor your van's interior for signs of fire.
Vans can be equipped with additional security features including pedal and gearlever lock and steering wheel locks. These are designed to prevent theft. Some vans have anti-pick cylinders that make it difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle. Other options include slam locks that secure doors automatically when you close them, and wire window screens which prevent thieves from accessing valuable tools through windows.
#vanlife vans can hold a lot of expensive equipment, tools, and other items. A burglary or break-in could cost you thousands of pounds in replacements - so it's essential to take all the steps you can to keep your vehicle safe. It's now easier than ever to protect your vehicle using the latest technology and sophisticated parking methods.
Tracking
A van security system with a tracker can allow you to monitor the whereabouts of your vehicle at all times. You will feel safe knowing that your van is secure. It can help with administration by allowing you to track how long a worker has been on a site or driving. This is helpful for hours of service compliance.
Your tracking system can assist police locate a vehicle if it was stolen. This tracking device can also assist you in saving on insurance because many insurance companies view these devices as good deterrents to thieves.
These systems can be paired with a range of sensors, including RFID and GPS. RFID systems are great for vans that need to travel to warehouses or logistic centres. GPS systems can be powered by either a passive or an active method of monitoring, but are better designed for use in vehicles that travel a lot, as they can download data in real-time.
You can set up geofence zones around the property or even a garage and be alerted when your van isn't in the area. This can be useful for company cars or vans that are loaned to employees since you will be able to make sure that the vehicle is properly used. This can also prevent abuse of your assets by employees.
You can also check in on vans at any point using your smartphone app for live monitoring. Some of the most advanced van cameras come with cellular capabilities and can save videos to be viewed offline without the need to rely on WiFi at campgrounds. This is especially useful for vans that are away from cell service for a prolonged period of time while driving backcountry roads.
Maintenance
A lot of van manufacturers offer extra security options as an optional extra on their vehicles, but if it does not, then you should check what options are available to private companies. Ask your leasing company if they are able to add any additional features to improve the security of your vehicle. They may even offer you discounts on the insurance for your van.
There are a variety of van security locks, but a deadlock is considered to be one of the most effective. van secure is an additional lock installed on a van's doors that requires a key to operate, which makes it difficult to open. These locks are particularly recommended for vans that carry expensive equipment or when the vehicle is parked overnight in high crime areas.
Slam locks, which shut automatically when you close the door, are another excellent alternative. They are great for couriers and drivers with short-drops who forget to secure the vehicle. They can also be paired with a deadlock for maximum security against van burglaries. Shackle locks are another option that is popular. They secure the two sides of the door, making it impossible to open the door without removing the lock.
Other useful security accessories that can be incorporated into vans include external shields and anti-peel brackets which serve as a visual dissuader to criminals. They are often paired with a hook lock to secure side and rear doors, which is the most comprehensive van burglary protection. Installing a GPS tracker won't stop your vehicle being stolen but it could make it harder for thieves to would like to take it away. It's becoming more affordable to install these devices, too.