How to Protect Your Van & Its Contents

Thousands of us across the country use vans for work and travel, and the thought of them being broken into or stolen is a real concern. According to the RAC, since 2016 businesses in the UK have lost more than £60 million in stolen tools or other items that thieves have snatched from vans. 

This represents a real concern for van owners everywhere, and at Lock & Key Centre we understand that stolen tools can have a devastating effect on people – particularly if they rely on them for their livelihood. 

In this article we’ll outline the best ways that you can keep your van safe, and protect its contents.   

How Can I Make My Van More Secure?

Undoubtedly the best way to protect your van is by fitting van safety locks to keep it secure. There are a whole host of van security locks you can install that will make it incredibly difficult for anyone to gain access to your vehicle. 

Some of the van safety locks you can install include: 

• Slam locks
• Anti-drill locks
• Anti-bump locks
• Rep locks
• Deadlocks 

All of these locks behave in slightly different ways, but the end goal is the same – to keep your vehicle and its contents safe. 

While there are a number of preventive measures you can take to make your van less appealing to criminals, the most foolproof way to keep your van safe is by fitting one of these locks. 

How to Protect Tools in a Van

Van security is of utmost importance, and if you’re looking to make your van more secure, deter thieves and protect your tools, then there are a number of things you can do to ensure its safety. It seems obvious, but not leaving tools in your van overnight is the first step to van security. 

By doing this, you can minimise any financial losses in the event your van does get broken into. Typically, thieves break into vans specifically to steal tools, so by removing them you can at least guarantee you won’t be losing significant sums of money. 

Another good tip that can keep your van and its contents safe is parking it in a protected area. Thieves will be less inclined to break into a van if it is in view of CCTV cameras or in a well-lit area, and even if they do, you’ll have a better chance of catching them. If you park your van in front of your house or on a driveway, then investing in some household cameras is a great way to achieve this, too.  

If the worst happens and your tools are stolen, it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. One of the best van security tips is to mark all your tools with a UV pen. The marking won’t be visible to the naked eye, but when a UV light is shined on it the markings will become clear. This is a great way to identify your tools if they show up elsewhere or are found by the police. 

Can I Fit a Van Lock Myself?

If you’re getting van security locks fitted, it’s important to understand that you must get this carried out by a professional locksmith. It’s not an easy task and requires a high level of skill and expertise. 

Doing it yourself could leave your van vulnerable to robbery, and your insurance company may refuse to pay out if the lock has not been fitted by a professional.   

Whether you’re looking to have van security locks fitted or other types of security services, Lock & Key Centre is here to help. With more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, we operate across Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and provide van security, emergency locksmiths, security shutters, CCTV and much more. To find out more about how we can help, get in touch with us today.