How to protect your van from thieves
Unfortunately, van break-ins are becoming a common occurrence. Thieves assume that tools or other valuable equipment are stored inside vans, and proceed to break through windows or force open the doors.
In the worst case scenario, valuable equipment from inside the van is stolen, or the van itself is stolen. At best, you’re left with smashed windows.
Below are a few tips on how to protect your van from thieves.
When buying a new van, or even if you have an existing van, make sure you have an alarm, an immobiliser, and deadlocks fitted in the vehicle.
Also, fitting the van with a steering wheel lock or a handbrake lock will deter thieves from breaking in, as they don’t like to work hard or draw attention to themselves. You can also buy lockable fuel caps and wheel nuts which are cheap and effective.
In the event that your van is stolen, a GPS tracker would be incredibly useful. Install it in a place that is hard to see and access, and connect the tracker with your phone or another electronic device.
Advanced GPS trackers not only track the van, but also alert the police to the crime.
If you have rear windows, try to cover them up in any way you can. Alternatively, buy a van with no rear windows.
Similarly, if there is no separation between the cab and the load area, thieves will be tempted to break in. A solid bulkhead between the cab and the load area would be a good way of keeping the contents of your van out of sight and safe from prying eyes.
If you do keep valuable tools or other equipment inside your van for long periods of time, unload it and take the contents to a secure location. This may seem like a lot of hassle, but it’s better than having your van damaged and tools stolen.
Parking under a streetlight or in a well-lit area will deter thieves from attempting to break into your van. When looking for somewhere to park, look out for security cameras and park in view of them. This way, if something does happen, the perpetrators are caught on camera.
If you park your van in your driveway, or if you don’t have a streetlight near you, install motion-sensor lights. These will turn on when they detect any movement, and will likely scare away any potential thieves. It might become annoying every time a cat wanders past your van, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
In the worst case scenario, valuable equipment from inside the van is stolen, or the van itself is stolen. At best, you’re left with smashed windows.
Below are a few tips on how to protect your van from thieves.
Have adequate security measures fitted
When buying a new van, or even if you have an existing van, make sure you have an alarm, an immobiliser, and deadlocks fitted in the vehicle.
Also, fitting the van with a steering wheel lock or a handbrake lock will deter thieves from breaking in, as they don’t like to work hard or draw attention to themselves. You can also buy lockable fuel caps and wheel nuts which are cheap and effective.
Have a GPS tracker installed
In the event that your van is stolen, a GPS tracker would be incredibly useful. Install it in a place that is hard to see and access, and connect the tracker with your phone or another electronic device.
Advanced GPS trackers not only track the van, but also alert the police to the crime.
Hide the contents of your van
If you have rear windows, try to cover them up in any way you can. Alternatively, buy a van with no rear windows.
Similarly, if there is no separation between the cab and the load area, thieves will be tempted to break in. A solid bulkhead between the cab and the load area would be a good way of keeping the contents of your van out of sight and safe from prying eyes.
Play it safe
If you do keep valuable tools or other equipment inside your van for long periods of time, unload it and take the contents to a secure location. This may seem like a lot of hassle, but it’s better than having your van damaged and tools stolen.
Park in a well-lit area
Parking under a streetlight or in a well-lit area will deter thieves from attempting to break into your van. When looking for somewhere to park, look out for security cameras and park in view of them. This way, if something does happen, the perpetrators are caught on camera.
If you park your van in your driveway, or if you don’t have a streetlight near you, install motion-sensor lights. These will turn on when they detect any movement, and will likely scare away any potential thieves. It might become annoying every time a cat wanders past your van, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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