Tips for Keeping Your Van Secure
Are you looking for expert tips for keeping your van secure? SK Security Systems Ltd takes the security of vehicles seriously. We understand how frustrating and debilitating it is when a van gets stolen or thieves steal your possessions. Find out how you can reduce the damage caused by thieves.
It can have a massive impact on your business, finances and time. We have listed below some helpful tips to lessen the risk and protect your vehicle.
Choose a Safe Place to Park
Your van and it's contents are most at risk when you leave it somewhere. Parking your van in a secure location can deter criminals.
After all, most thefts are opportunistic. If you put security measures in place, making it difficult for thieves to break into your van, then they might leave your van alone. Thieves want to be quick and not risk being seeing or caught.
If you park your van outside your house, it is ideal if you park it on your drive or better still in your garage. If these options aren't possible and you have yo park your van on the roadside. It would be best if you parked your van somewhere well lit.
Don't Make it Easy for Thieves
Many people have decided to purchase CCTV cameras to monitor their vans overnight. Motion-detecting lights are also an excellent investment to fit outside your property.
Potential thieves do not want to be noticed under a spotlight or camera. The loss or damage to your van can do much more than immobilising or inconveniencing you until an insurance claim is processed. It can have a high impact on your finances, especially if you miss out on jobs or appointments you have made with customers.
Please don't make it easy for thieves, listed below are some of our vast range of security devices:
Slam Locks
A slam lock is a device that will automatically lock the vehicle door immediately it is closed, a slam lock does not require any operation by the van driver.
A Slamlock will integrate with the existing locking mechanism on your van. The van door is unlocked with a key, and then as the driver pushes the door closed, it automatically locks behind him.
Van Deadlocks
A deadlock is a mechanical device we can fit onto a vehicle door. It is entirely separate to the existing locking mechanism already installed.
Deadlocks are very similar to a deadbolt most commonly fitted on the front door of your property. Unlike other locks available, deadlocks don't lock automatically upon closing the doors as they require the locks cylinder to be turned by a key manually.
The essential purpose of a deadlock is to provide vehicles with additional security that require it. Whatever the job, we've got you covered.
Armaplate Locks
Armaplate works by completely encasing the lock-barrel and its surrounding areas, and we bolt it securely to the door. There are no moving parts and no keys to be broken or lost.
Van security is 24/7 and requires no activation by the van driver. Armaplates are a perfect accompaniment to extra van locks.
Autowatch Ghost
The Autowatch Ghost is the world's first aftermarket CAN (Controller Area Network) bus immobiliser. This system will protect your vehicle from theft like nothing else available on today's market.
The Autowatch Ghost protects your vehicle from hacking key-cloning, and even key theft. The only way a thief could steal a Ghost protected vehicle is by towing it away physically, even then they will never be able to drive it.
The Ghost does not have key-fobs or LED indications to give away its location. The Autowatch Ghost uses the buttons in your vehicles such as those on the door panels, centre console or steering wheel, to allow you to make a unique, changeable, PIN code sequence that you must enter first before you can drive your van or car.
The PIN code is just like your bank or credit cards. However, you have the option by making your PIN even safer by making it up to 20 digits long.
We wanted the security of your vehicle as hassle-free as possible, so with that in mind we have created an iPhone application that will connect to your vehicle, it will allow you to drive your vehicle without having to enter the entire PIN code. However, we did not settle there! This iPhone pairing allows a single, authorised, connection with a secret pairing code that is unique to every Autowatch Ghost and communication between the Ghost and the iPhone is encrypted.
All you need to do is pair your iPhone with your Autowatch Ghost. If you leave the Autowatch Ghost application running in the background with Bluetooth enabled, only you can drive securely and conveniently.
Remove Tools & Valuables From Your Van
Many people place stickers on their vans that inform potential thieves. The stickers state that tools or valuables aren't kept inside the vehicle overnight.
The trouble is, how many drivers do empty their vans every night? The best way to prevent the theft of your belongings is to take them out of your van overnight and store them in a secure place.
During the day when you are continually going in and out of your van for tools and materials, it might be worth considering a lockable tool safe or one of our van security lock systems. The more deterrents, the harder it is for would-be thieves.
Remove Ladders & External Storage Overnight
If you do have external storage or ladders mounted on your vehicle, always empty or remove them when you leave your van unattended overnight.
Keep A List Of Items In Your Van
A list detailing the possessions kept in your van is ideal if the worst happens and they are stolen. You can then pass the file to the police and the insurance company. When we have an array of items in our vehicles, it is easy to forget all the things what we have.
Use A UV Pen To Mark Items
Marking all the items and equipment kept in your van is a great idea. The majority of people who are offered second-hand tools will check them for UV markings. If the UV marking doesn't match the seller, it is a good indication they have been stolen.
Get The Right Van Insurance
It is estimated a van gets broken into every 23 minutes in the UK. This type of crimewave has now reached epic proportions.
There are many different types of van insurance. They range from third party only, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive, private van and commercial van insurances.
It is always advisable to speak to your insurer detailing your needs and requirements.
If your insurer doesn't offer van content insurance ask if they provide bolt-on insurance products that you can purchase for an extra cost which specifically cover tools, the loss of keys, devices and much more.
An insurer will then offer you the best policy to suit your needs. Always read the policy to make sure you are adequately covered.
Please contact our professional team of locksmiths to discuss your needs. Our locksmith team can provide a quote tailored for your vehicle.