Tool theft is among the most common vehicular crimes across the UK. While over 130,000 vehicles are stolen in England and Wales every year, as many as 28,000 crimes occur every month—with an average value of over £5,000.

While some van drivers assume that manufacturer-installed locks and electronic key fobs will be more than sufficient to protect their vehicles, the tools inside are frequently the reason for a break-in rather than the vehicle itself, and it takes experienced thieves a shocking 10 seconds to gain access.

The issues around thefts aren’t just the cost of replacing tools and equipment essential to trade but also the stress of hoping an insurance claim will be successful. This is before considering the reputational damage of being unable to work, knock-on impacts in terms of lost incomes, and the potentially higher insurance premiums payable once you have been a victim of crime.

Let’s discuss specialist van security deadlocks we fit as an experienced team of auto locksmiths, how they outperform conventional locks, and why we believe a high-functioning van deadlock is worth every penny.

What Are the Benefits of Van Deadlock Fitting in Addition to Standard Locks?

Unfortunately, electronic key fobs and transponders are incredibly easy to clone or intercept—a topic we’ve discussed before. However, opportunistic thieves or gangs can also bypass locks very simply by destroying the locking mechanism, smashing glass, or forcing sliding doors.

Deadlocks come in multiple shapes and sizes, which we’ll summarise shortly, but the biggest advantages for anybody driving a van—whether or not they have tools or equipment inside—include:

• The assurance that you have a visible deterrent that puts off prospective thieves more effectively than signs stating the absence of tools or valuables overnight.
• Confidence that a deliberate attempt to break in or steal the vehicle will be unsuccessful and that a well-protected van is much less appealing than a more vulnerable vehicle.
• Potential reductions in insurance coverage, where many providers will offer discounted insurance premiums when presented with confirmation that deadlocks meet rigorous industry standards and make the risk of a claim significantly lower.

It’s always worth chatting with the Eydens team if you’re concerned about rising reports of van thefts and break-ins in your area, unsure which types of deadlocks are most suitable or aren’t sure how much to budget for a specialist van deadlock for your vehicle.

There are plenty of options, some suited to specific vehicle makes and models.

With our mobile fitting or in-store supply and fit service, we can come to you. Pricing starts from just £150 (plus VAT), and generous discounts and packages are available if you’d like to fit deadlocks, latch protection plates, or statement locks to more than one door.

Types of Van Deadlocks as Theft-Prevention and Anti-Vehicle Crime Measures

As you’d expect from a fully accredited team of professional auto locksmiths, we can provide independent advice about the most suitable locks and deadlocks for your van and help you compare the options, ensuring you make informed choices.

For those unfamiliar with van security locks, the main categories include:

• Straight bolt deadlocks: These are conventional bolts that slide into a receiving bracket on the opposite side of the door, preventing forced entry using equipment like crowbars.
• Hook bolt deadlocks: Offer added protection against criminal attacks and enhanced security compared to straight deadlocks, especially for vehicles with hinge movement or gaps around the door that could be easier to force.
• Van slam locks: Work by locking automatically when the door is shut and need a key to open. They are often used by delivery drivers who need a quick way to prevent thefts.
• Electronic locking systems: These provide remote and keyless entry with programmable access codes and are included within technologically advanced immobilisers.
• Shielding plates: Fitted to the sides of weak points around van bodywork, panels and doors to guard against puncturing and spiking.

While we adapt our advice to every client, the vehicle they drive, the value of tools stored, or the prevalence of thefts in their region, we’ve summarised some of the most in-demand models below.

Super-Strong L4V Statement Van Deadlocks

Often considered the ultimate in van security, this statement lock is a robust deadlock that operates independently from the pre-installed locking mechanism in your van.

Drivers and business owners often purchase the Diamond Edition—a Sold Secure Diamond Approved lock that holds the highest possible security approval rating owing to its theft resistance and lack of vulnerability even to targeted theft attempts using angle grinders or drills.

Mechanical L4V Van Deadlock Systems

The L4V deadlock is designed specifically for vans and, like the statement lock above, works without any reliance on the manufacturer-installed locks. Owners are equipped with a secure external key that cannot be tampered with or copied. This deadlock works optimally with an L4V Hook Lock fitted to the side and rear doors.

Protecting Van Bodywork With L4V External Shields and Repair Plates

Shield plates prevent any attempts to puncture or cut into the bodywork and can also be fitted around the door latches and locks. They are a visual deterrent well-suited to concealing previous damage and preventing further entry attempts via panels that have visible deviations.

We often suggest installing L4V External Shields in conjunction with L4V Handle Shields, which means van door handles cannot be ‘spiked’ to reach the internal door opening mechanism.

Additional Vehicle Security Measures to Prevent Van Theft

As we’ve seen, the ideal van deadlocks or security systems will depend on your objectives. The types of locks and deadlocks we advise on could differ between commercial vans used by tradespeople, those that make frequent delivery stops and business vehicles parked on the roadside overnight.

Other solutions could include anti-peel kits fitted to loading doors, upgraded locks for Ford Transit vans—the target for 17.6% of all van thefts—van tracking systems, and commercial-grade immobilisers.

If you’d like more guidance about the right security for your van or help to compare the costs and protection each option provides, you can review our detailed pricing lists online or contact the Eydens Auto Locksmiths team to arrange a convenient time to chat about your van security needs.