For most tradespeople who use a van for their day-to-day work, their vehicles aren’t just there as transport. They may rely on their vans to carry expensive tools, equipment, and stock, as a vital part of how they earn a living.
Break-ins might mean needing to replace a lock and repair bodywork, but can also result in lost work, the stress and cost of trying to claim against insurance to replace stolen tools, and potentially several days off the road without income. This is why we always recommend being proactive about van security, without leaving anything to chance.
There are 130,000+ vehicle thefts a year in England and Wales; 17.6% of stolen vans are Ford Transits, and tool theft claims are worth over £5,000 on average per incident. We’ve shared insight into some of the best ways to ensure your van and business don’t become part of these statistics.
How Do Different Van Security Locks Compare?
One of the challenges for our clients is that there are multiple potential locks they might consider. Without independent advice from a specialist auto locksmith, there’s a chance that a tradesperson might invest in new locks that aren’t necessarily ideal.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common locks we install, and an idea of the circumstances in which we might recommend them:
| Van Security Lock | Designed For | Main Benefit | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadlock | Vans parked up overnight | Adds an extra manual lock that works independently of factory-fitted mechanisms | Needs to be locked manually |
| Slamlock | Couriers and delivery drivers | Automatically locks when the door is closed (or slammed!) | Drivers could lock themselves out if they shut the door with the keys left in the back |
| Hook lock | Protecting side and rear doors | Resists forced entry and thefts involving door peeling | Manually operated rather than automatic locks |
| Statement lock | High-risk vans or those with valuable equipment | Provides a visible deterrent and strong physical protection | More noticeable than other locks |
| Immobiliser | Prevents vehicle theft | Stops the engine from starting even if the keys are present | Protects the van rather than the tools inside |
| GPS tracker | Most often used by fleet operators or higher-value vans | Recovering and tracking stolen vehicles | Won’t prevent a theft, but assists in recovering a stolen van |
What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Van Security Lock?
Next, we’ve taken a look at each van security lock in turn to share the scenarios in which they could be beneficial for your business.
Van Deadlocks
If you park your van overnight and have to leave tools inside, a deadlock fitting is typically one of the first security upgrades we might recommend. That’s because the deadlock works independently from the locking system fitted by the manufacturer, effectively doubling up on your security.
Slamlocks for Vans
Slamlocks are designed for drivers who make multiple deliveries or visits a day. Rather than having to remember to lock the van at each drop-off point, or risking leaving the doors unlocked, the slamlock engages automatically as soon as the door closes.
Security Hook Locks
Hook locks are designed to be installed on sliding loading doors, or the back doors of a van. They’re effective against peeling attacks, where criminals access tools by peeling back the door, rather than targeting the lock itself. Hook locks make this much harder and secure the door to the body of the van.
Immobilisers for Trade Vans
Immobilisers are often a way to improve the security offered by your locking systems, rather than as a standalone way to prevent tool theft. They work by ensuring the engine cannot be started, and the van cannot be driven away with equipment inside, even if a criminal has the keys, or a cloned version of them.
We recommend the Ghost II Immobiliser, which is the gold standard. Drivers have to enter a unique sequence they’ve chosen themselves, such as button presses on the dashboard, console or door panels, to disarm the immobiliser.
Van GPS Trackers
GPS trackers can deter opportunist theft, since criminals can see their location will be monitored, and make it easier for the authorities to recover a stolen van with accurate information about the vehicle’s location. They’re also commonly used by fleets to track mileage and fuel consumption, as part of general fleet management.
Why Layered Van Security May Be Better Than One Lock or Device
Each of the devices we’ve summarised has benefits in terms of making tool and van theft less likely, and in many cases we might suggest combining two or more security mechanisms which work together to provide more effective protection.
This might depend on the model of van you drive, and the existing security precautions in place, but you might want to consider these combinations:
- Hook locks, a Ghost immobiliser and anti-peel safeguards for a van that carries expensive power tools you rely on for your livelihood.
- Slamlocks and upgraded door locks for courier vans, where thefts of deliveries are common.
- A Ghost II immobiliser and a GPS tracker installation if you own a van that criminals frequently target, and you have concerns about vehicle theft.
The ideal security could also be based on the type of business you operate. Some locks are highly visible, come with security warning stickers to deter thieves, and make it obvious your vehicle is protected against multiple types of theft techniques.
Other drivers might prefer discreet and more subtle locks that prevent opportunistic thefts, particularly for converted vans that may be used for passenger or customer transport.
Learn More About Modern Van Security Locks and Theft Prevention
Modern vehicle security has evolved significantly, and there are now more options on the market than ever, many of which are cost-effective and provide the peace of mind that the risk of a break-in is far lower. Van drivers may also be able to achieve reductions in commercial insurance premiums as a result of the security in place.
However, the best van security isn’t necessarily the most expensive system, but one that is designed to protect against the kind of risks you face every day.
If you’d like more information, you’ll find more detailed specifications about all of these van security locks and devices on the Eydens Auto Locksmiths and Vehicle Security website, or you can get in touch if you’d like one of our expert auto locksmiths to discuss the security upgrades that will be suited to you.
