If you’re a business owner, then understandably you’ll be concerned about the safety of your business premises, equipment and of course your company vehicles. Whether you are a sole trader or a business with a fleet of vans, criminals do not discriminate. So, here’s everything you need to know about improving the security of your vans.
Park your van securely
If you own a fleet of vans, the chances are you have a secure location to safely store your vehicles overnight. However, if you don’t, you need to ensure that your van(s) are parked in well lit, public places. Preferably with CCTV nearby. If you are a sole trader and tend to park your van at home, you may wish to consider installing CCTV as a deterrent. Van theft is not limited to night-time, so if you are out on a job you will need to make this a part of your daily decision making when it comes to parking.
Install alarm systems and/or an immobiliser
Loud alarm systems draw attention and can alter a thief’s decision whether to continue trying to proceed with a burglary or not. Immobilisers remove that choice completely. In an ideal world, this is one of the most comprehensive forms of protection you can utilise when it comes to deterring would-be thieves as it will stop them in their tracks. Whether you can have both depends on whether your van was manufactured before or after 1998. Most vans after this were fitted with alarm systems as standard. However, in regards to immobilisers there are two more dates you need to know. For vans made prior to 2006 you could need a category 1 combined alarm/immobiliser, and for vans after 2006 you would need a category 2/1.
Install a GPS tracker
If you are unable to install an alarm or immobiliser then a GPS tracker is a must. In the event that your van is stolen, being able to give the police an accurate location in real time will drastically improve your chances of recovering the van in question. Most trackers also contain an immobilising function with noise controls so you can either stop the thief or draw attention to them. You may also find if you have a fleet of vehicles that you can secure a discount from a security firm for covering multiple vehicles.
Remove your valuables
Aside from the actual worth of the van, one of the reasons vans make such appealing targets to thieves is the value of equipment inside. Removing this inside your business premises where hopefully you have air tight security in place could make the difference between your van theft being abandoned and hopefully recovered or not. If removing your valuables or equipment in the van is not an option, you could consider installing and fixing a safe or van lock box to the van itself. To remove this, criminals would need to make considerably more noise with tools which could lead to your vehicle being abandoned, and hopefully recovered.
Add signage
While thinking about security, you can also think about business. Having clear signage of your company, your contact details and what you do can deter thieves as they run the risk of a member of the public contacting you once you put the word out that your van has been stolen. This can lead to recovery, but as helpful members of the public usually are, the most failsafe way to locate your vehicle would be with GPS tracking. You could also add signs that CCTV is in operation where your van is parked, or that security systems are in place on the van itself or even that no tools are left in the van overnight.
Invest in security locks
Of course, even with all of the latest cutting edge developments in technology some thieves will still persist. This is why it is also important to make your van as hard to physically break into as possible. Slamlocks and deadlocks can both be great investments. Slamlocks are built into the doors which lock as soon as the door slams shut. However if you are prone to accidentally locking your keys in the van you might want to consider deadlocks. These are separate to your vans internal locks and are manual. You have to lock them, but generally tend to be stronger and more applicable for tradespeople on longer projects. Steel plates can be an added layer of protection to put around the locks so thieves cannot drill into them. You might also want to consider a lock for your catalytic converter. Catalytic converters contain precious metals which make them a common target for thieves. Aside from locks you could also ask your garage to weld your catalytic converter shut if it is bolted on. If you’re looking for a quality garage in Skipton, our sister company Peter Watson Garage is a great option. Other locks included locks for your steering wheel, the wheels themselves or window locks.
Don’t forget about your windows
The two easiest ways for a thief to break into your van would be to pick the locks or break a window. With locks covered, we also need to talk about improving the strength of your windows. You could consider tempered glass which is shatter resistant, installing metal grilles, or even installing blinds or tints to make it harder to ascertain what goods are in the vehicle.
Insure your van
Of course, even with the best security measures in the world, some thieves will always attempt the burglary. That is why regardless of if it is your van, tools, business premises or home you should always ensure your insurance is up to date, and insured to the correct value. Be careful to ensure that theft and damage and replacement cover of stolen items are included too.
We never want to hear of our customers’ vans being stolen, but unfortunately that is one of the reasons people come to us here at Skipton Self Drive, so they can continue to run their business while they source a replacement vehicle. So, if the worst does happen, we can help. Contact us today on 01756 792911 or use our contact form here.
