Protect Your Van With Van Security Systems
Many tradespeople in Britain rely on vans to make a living. They are also targets for thieves looking to steal valuable tools or equipment. Protecting your van with security systems can help mitigate the risks and give you peace of mind so that you can focus on your work or leisure activities.
Locks
Locks are a crucial part of van security systems. They protect your valuable equipment, tools and personal belongings from theft. They also affect the cost of insurance, which means that choosing the right lock is vital if you want to avoid costly penalties.
There are a wide range of van security locks to choose from, with each offering different advantages and features. Knowing how they can assist in securing your van will allow you to make educated choices when selecting the best lock for your needs.
Deadlocks, for instance, are a great way to deter theft by preventing the criminal from picking or slamming the lock. Additionally, slam locks automatically engage when the door is shut and make them difficult to manipulate without access to your vehicle.
Another popular method to secure your van is using a wheel clamp. They are designed to prevent thieves from removing the wheels of your vehicle, which could prevent them from taking the contents of your van. They are particularly useful in urban areas, where a van is more likely to be targeted by thieves for its parts or tools.
Alarms are also a great deterrent for thieves as they sound loud enough to attract attention and scare away potential intruders. There are various types of alarms for vans, ranging from basic to factory-fitted Thatcham approved systems, each of which has distinct advantages and features.
For instance, TVL's RepLock is a high-security lock that immobilises the handles and locking mechanisms of your vehicle doors, making it difficult to manipulate or open. It is currently a factory-fitting option on the Ford Transit Custom and can be used in conjunction with other security measures like the steering wheel lock or parking in a secure location to provide a solid degree of security.
Alarms
Van theft is a serious issue for tradespeople as well as those who are living the van lifestyle. The average loss of cargo costs PS4,250. Alarms that are visible stop thieves and make it more difficult to break into your vehicle. If someone tries to steal your vehicle, the alarm will sound and the ignition will be cut off. This means they'll be forced to abandon their ill-gotten gains and leave your vehicle empty.
There are a variety of retrofit alarms that can be installed on the van's side and rear to protect the doors and windows. They are typically activated by sensors that detect impact and movements. These are available for most campervans, pickup trucks and vans. Some have a load-area siren as well as a brackets that can be used to secure the cargo area as well.
A security camera is another great way to deter and detect theft. It can be used to watch your vehicle when you're away from it. Many options include intelligent motion detection alerts, night vision capabilities, in addition to the ability to connect wirelessly. This lets you monitor your vehicle at any moment.
Dashcams are also a good investment for vanlifers as it can help catch the perpetrators of hit and run or crash for cash. It can also be helpful for ensuring your vehicle is properly parked when you park in risky areas.
Immobilisers
Immobilisers make it almost impossible for thieves steal your vehicle. They stop your vehicle from being driven until you enter a code via the key fob, mobile app or the electrics. They are especially useful in situations where you must leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time while travelling or camping, since they will alert you to any suspicious activities.
Installing an immobiliser will also lower your insurance costs for your van, as many insurers offer discounts to customers who have them installed. It is important to select an approved model that is of high quality and that will safeguard your vehicle to the greatest extent possible.
Certain immobilisers may also be combined with alarm systems to provide another layer of security. A basic system configuration should include the base station, keypad, and entry sensor (with motion detector). You can also include an alarm for smoke to check the interior of your vehicle for indications of fire.
Other security products from the aftermarket are available for vans, such as steering wheel locks, gearlever locks and pedals to prevent theft. Some of them even have anti-pick cylinder locks which 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 window screens made of wire that stop thieves from gaining access to valuable tools through windows.
Vans used for #vanlife contain a large amount of costly equipment, tools and goods. It is crucial to ensure that your van is safe. A burglary, break-in or other incident could cost you thousands of dollars in replacements. The good news is that thanks to the latest technology and intelligent parking methods, it's more simple than ever before to secure your vehicle.
Tracking
You can monitor your van's location at any time with a van security system that includes an electronic tracker. This will give you peace of mind as you are assured that your vehicle is safe and secure. It helps with admin by allowing you to track the time a worker has been on a site or driving. This is helpful for hours of service compliance.
If security van door locks has been stolen, your tracking system can provide accurate location data to help police locate it. The tracker can also assist you in saving on insurance since many insurers see these devices as effective deterrents to thieves.
These systems can be utilized in conjunction with a variety of sensors, such as RFID and GPS. RFID systems are ideal for vans that travel to logistic centres or warehouses. GPS systems can be powered by either a passive or an active approach to monitoring, but are better suited for use in vehicles that travel a lot, because they can download data in real-time.
You can establish geofence zones around a property or even a garage and get an alert when your vehicle isn't in the area. This is useful for company vehicles or vans loaned to employees, since you can be sure that they are utilized in a proper manner. This will also stop the misuse of your assets by employees.
You can also monitor the van's condition in real time using the app that you can download on your smartphone. Some of the most advanced models of van cameras come with cellular capabilities and can save video recordings to be viewed offline without the requirement of campground WiFi. This can be particularly useful for vans that are disconnected from cell coverage for a prolonged period of time on backcountry roads.
Maintenance
Many van manufacturers offer extra security options as optional extras on their vehicles, but if yours doesn't then it's worth checking what can be fitted by 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 a discount on your van insurance.
There are many types of van door security locks, but one of the most effective is deadlock. This is a lock fitted to the door of the van, which requires a different key in order to operate. It makes it difficult to force open. They are especially recommended for vans carrying expensive equipment or when the vehicle is stored overnight in high-crime areas.
Slam locks that lock automatically when the door is closed are a great alternative. They are perfect for couriers and drivers with short-drops, who may forget to secure the vehicle. They can also be paired with a deadlock to offer the best protection against van burglaries. Shackle locks are a popular alternative. They secure the two sides of the door and make it impossible to unlock the door without removing the lock.
External shields and anti peel brackets are useful security tools for vans. They act as a visual deterrent to criminals. These are often combined with hook locks for the rear and side doors to offer the best van burglary defense. Finally installing a GPS tracker will not stop your vehicle from being stolen however it will make it much more difficult for thieves to sell the equipment on or use it to commit a crime. It's becoming less expensive to install these devices, too.