How to Theft-Proof Your Van
Approximately 47,000 commercial vehicles are stolen in the UK each year, not to mention contents theft. With commercial vehicles and their contents likely being absolutely vital to the running of your business, you should try your best to deter would-be thieves and make your van impregnable.
Whatever your security requirements, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take appropriate steps to protect your van against theft. Read on to discover some of the most reliable ways of theft-proofing your van.
Choose the right locks for the job
It may go without saying, but locks are a must-have for any commercial van driver. Ensuring that your van is fully locked when unattended can be the difference between receiving an insurance pay-out or not, should you fall victim to van or van contents theft.
Another factor to consider is the type of lock you use. Different locks are available for different scenarios, for instance:
Deadlocks: These are ideal for those who leave their vans unattended for a long period of time, usually parked outside and/or in an insecure area. They provide an extra layer of security as, even if thieves manage to tackle the standard lock, they would still need to overcome the deadlock to gain entry.
Slam locks: If your job requires you to constantly lock and unlock your van – such as a delivery driver or postman – or you are prone to forgetting to lock it, a slam lock would be ideal. With this kind of lock, the lock is engaged as soon as you close the door of your van.
Park smart
How you park your van can make it a lot harder for thieves to gain access to it. In fact, if the task of breaking into your van seems too difficult or time-consuming, they may even be put off completely.
One of the more obvious steps you can take is to park in a well-lit area, ideally on a residential street – would-be thieves will likely be deterred by the prospect of being identifiable and/or being seen by residents in nearby houses.
Another parking tip is to back up against a wall, as this will ensure that the rear loading doors of your van aren’t accessible. If you can manoeuvre yourself into a corner, therefore blocking both the rear and one side of your van, even better!
Protect your cargo
The only way to guarantee the safety of your cargo is to avoid keeping anything in your unattended van. However, this isn’t always practical so, instead, you could install extra security measures inside your van. Such measures can range from a security box right through to a full van security cage. Whatever you choose, remember: twice the protection means twice the effort for any would-be thieves.
Electronic security devices like GPS trackers, alarms, or dashcams can also go a long way to deter would-be thieves, particularly if they are made glaringly obvious. Plus, they can help you recover your van or its contents should the thief succeed.
If you’re looking for cheap new vans for your business, look no further than Van Sales UK. Stocking everything from small vans right through to large tipper vans, you’re sure to find one that works for you. We also offer vans on finance, with a range of options available. Contact us today for more information.
