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Five Van Security System Lessons From Professionals
Protect Your Van With Van Security Systems

Vans are essential to the livelihood of many tradesmen across the UK and could be a target for thieves seeking to steal valuable tools or equipment. Making sure your van is secured with security systems can reduce these risks and give you peace of mind to concentrate on your leisure or work activities.

Locks

Locks are an essential part of van security system s, assisting to secure your valuable equipment, tools and personal belongings from theft. They also impact the cost of insurance, which means that selecting the right locks is crucial if you want to avoid costly penalties.

There are a wide range of van security locks to choose from with each offering distinct benefits and features. Understanding how each one can aid in the security of your van will enable you to make an informed choice when deciding on the best option for your requirements.

For instance, deadlocks are an extremely effective method to discourage thieves by preventing them from picking or forcing the lock open. Slam locks however are automatically activated when your door is closed. This makes them extremely difficult to manipulate if you do not have access to your vehicle.

A wheel clamp is a popular method of securing your vehicle. They are designed to stop thieves from removing your vehicle's wheels, leaving them unable to steal contents of your van. They are especially useful in urban areas where vans are more likely to be targeted by thieves for their parts or tools.

Finally, alarms are an effective deterrent for criminals, as they generally are loud enough to draw attention and deter potential intruders. There are various types of van alarms, from basic to factory-fitted Thatcham approved systems, with each offering distinct advantages and features.

For example, TVL's RepLock is a high-security lock that immobilises the handles and locking mechanisms of your vehicle's doors making it impossible to open or break into. It is currently an option that can be fitted factory-style on the Ford Transit Custom and can be used in conjunction with other security measures like a steering wheel lock, or parking in a secure area to offer a high security level.

Alarms

Van theft is a significant problem for both tradespeople as well as those who live the van life. The average cargo loss costs around PS4,250. Alarms that are visible stop thieves and make it difficult to break into your vehicle. If someone tries to steal your van the alarm will sound and the ignition will be cut off. This means that they'll be forced to give up the illegal gain and empty your vehicle.

Many specially-designed retrofit alarms are available to be mounted on the side and the back of your van to guard doors and windows. These are usually set off by built-in sensors detecting the impact and movement. These are available for most campervans, vans and pickup trucks. Some have a load-area siren and brackets that secure the cargo space as well.

A security camera can also be used to prevent and monitor theft when you are away from your vehicle. Many options are equipped with smart motion detection alerts, night vision capability and mobile connectivity so you can track your van at all times.

Dashcams are also an excellent investment for vanlifers since it can help catch hit and runs or crash for cash infractions. It is also useful in ensuring that your car is properly parked when you park in risky areas.

Immobilisers

Immobilisers make it nearly impossible for thieves to steal your vehicle. By connecting to your vehicle's electrical system, they block the van from being driven unless you enter a specific code on a key fob or mobile application. They can be particularly helpful when you have to leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time, whether you are traveling or camping, since they will detect any suspicious activities.

An immobiliser fitted to your vehicle can also lower the cost of insurance for your van as insurers often offer discounted rates to those who have an immobiliser installed. It's essential to choose one that has been approved by Thatcham and will provide the most protection for your vehicle.

Alarm systems can be used in conjunction with immobilisers to offer an additional layer of security. A basic system configuration should include a base station, keypad and entry sensor (with a motion detector). You can also include smoke sensors to inspect the interior of your van for indications of fire.

Vans can be fitted with additional security devices, such as pedal and gearlever locks, as well as steering wheel locks. These are designed to deter theft. Some vans are equipped with anti-pick cylinders which make it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle. Another option is locks that slam automatically to lock doors when you close them and wire window screens to stop thieves from accessing your valuable tools through windows.

Vans utilised for #vanlife can carry a lot of expensive equipment, tools and other items. It is crucial to ensure that your van is safe. A burglary, break-in or other incident could cost you thousands in replacements. The good news is that thanks to the latest technology and smart parking techniques, it's now easier than ever to protect your vehicle.

Tracking

You can track the location of your van at any time with a van security system that includes an electronic tracker. This provides peace of mind knowing that you are assured that your vehicle is safe and secure. It also aids in administration by letting you know how long a driver has been on the road or at an employment site, assisting in ensuring hours of service compliance and improving productivity.

Your tracking system can assist police locate a van if it was stolen. Adding this device to your vehicle can also lower insurance costs since many insurance companies consider these devices to be a good deterrent to thieves.

These systems can be used together with a range of sensors, such as RFID and GPS. RFID systems work well for vans that travel to warehouses or logistic centers. GPS systems are powered by active or passive monitoring. They are ideal for vehicles that travel a lot as they can download data in real-time.

You can create geofence zones around your property or even a garage and be alerted when your vehicle leaves the designated area. This can be useful for company vehicles or vans that are lent out to employees as you will be able to make sure that the vehicle is used appropriately. This can prevent staff members from using your assets.

You can also check in on vans at any point through your smartphone app to monitor the van in real-time. Some of the most advanced van cameras have cellular capability and can save video recordings to be viewed offline without the requirement of WiFi at campgrounds. This is particularly beneficial for vans that will be away from cell service for a long period of time while driving backcountry roads.

Maintenance


Many van manufacturers offer additional security options as optional extras on their vehicles, but if yours does not, it's worth looking into the options offered by private companies. Ask your leasing company if they are able to add any additional features to improve the security of your vehicle. They might even offer you a discount on insurance for your van.

There are many kinds of van security locks, but a deadlock is considered to be one of the best. It is a lock that is installed on van's doors that requires a separate key to operate, making it extremely difficult to force open. They are especially recommended for vans that carry expensive equipment or when the vehicle is parked overnight in high crime areas.

Slam locks that lock automatically when the door is closed are also a great option. They are ideal for couriers and short-drop drivers, who may overlook the necessity of locking their vehicle. They can also be paired with a deadlock to provide the best protection against van burglaries. Other popular options include shackle locks that connect the two sides of a door together, so that they are unable to be opened without removing the lock.

Other useful security accessories that can be incorporated into vans include external shields and anti-peel brackets, that act as a visible security measure against criminals. They are usually paired with hook locks for the side and rear doors to offer the most effective van burglary solution. Installing a GPS tracker will not prevent your vehicle being stolen however it will make it harder for thieves to are looking to take it away. It's becoming increasingly affordable to install these devices too.

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