Van attacks are on the rise, and thieves are constantly coming up with new ways to break into vehicles. As a van owner, protecting your tools, equipment, and livelihood should be a top priority. In this article, we’ll cover four of the most common methods thieves use to attack vans—and, most importantly, how you can prevent them. Using different types of van locks, like van deadlocks, and other van security measures can make a huge difference in keeping your van safe.
4 Most Common Methods of Van Thieves
1. Door Mechanism Drill Attack
How It’s Done: Thieves drill through the door panel (latch area) or near the handle mechanism to disable it. They do this to gain direct access to the door lock mechanism. Even if your central locking is still engaged, they can use a tool like a screwdriver to mechanically release the mechanism and open the door. There is a myth that only side doors are attacked, but in reality, both rear and side doors face the same vulnerabilities.
How to Prevent It:
- Reinforced Plates: Installing protection plates made from hardened steel around the lock mechanisms shields vulnerable areas, making it extremely difficult for thieves to drill through them.
- Van Locks: High-security van locks are designed to resist drilling and tampering by providing a robust locking mechanism that operates independently of your van’s central locking system. These locks secure the door at additional points, making it far more difficult for thieves to pry or force the door open.
The best approach is to combine protection plates and van locks, as this drastically extends the time thieves need to break into your van. They face two obstacles: first, drilling through the hardened steel protection plates, which is time-consuming and burns out drill bits, and second, forcing the van lock itself. This combination makes the process long and noisy, significantly increasing the chances that thieves will give up (more about combining van security solutions here).
2. Peel and Steal Attack
How It’s Done: The “peel and steal” attack involves thieves grabbing the top of a van’s rear or side doors and pulling them downwards to bend the metal. Once the door is deformed, they gain access to the van’s contents.
How to Prevent It:
- Van Deadlocks: Installing van deadlocks adds an extra locking point to your doors, making it significantly harder to pry them open. These locks work independently of your van’s central locking system, adding an extra layer of security.
- Anti-Peel Brackets: Anti-peel brackets are specifically designed to reinforce the upper edges of van doors, where thieves typically try to gain leverage in a peel and steal attack. By strengthening this area, these brackets make it significantly harder for thieves to bend the doors, effectively preventing access to the van’s interior.
3. Driver’s Door Lock Attack
How It’s Done: This attack is common in Ford vans, where thieves target the driver’s door lock. Using tools like pliers or a screwdriver, they force the lock by inserting a screwdriver or similar tool into the keyhole and applying leverage to break the internal components of the lock, which often grants access to the central locking system, unlocking the cab and, in some cases, all the doors.
How to Prevent It:
- Replock: Replacing the standard driver’s door lock with a high-security replock can stop thieves from tampering with it. A replock is a heavy-duty replacement for the factory-fitted lock, designed to withstand forced entry attempts. It features reinforced components and enhanced durability, making it much harder for thieves to manipulate or bypass the locking mechanism.
4. OBD Port Attack
How It’s Done: Thieves connect a device to the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, typically located under the dashboard. This device can reprogram a new key or override the van’s security system, allowing them to steal the vehicle in minutes.
How to Prevent It:
- OBD Port Protector: Installing a lockable cover for the OBD port prevents thieves from accessing it. These covers are made of durable, tamper-proof materials and are designed to encase the OBD port completely. They lock securely with a key or code, ensuring that unauthorised devices cannot be connected. By blocking access, they stop thieves from reprogramming keys or overriding the van’s security system.
- Steering Wheel Lock or Pedal Box: While these don’t directly protect the OBD port, they add an extra layer of security, making it harder to drive the van away even if the OBD port is compromised. Steering wheel locks physically block the wheel from turning, while pedal boxes lock the brake and clutch pedals in place, preventing the vehicle from being driven.
The Power of Combining Security Solutions
No single security measure is 100% effective, but combining multiple solutions greatly reduces the risk of theft. For example, pairing van deadlocks with protection plates and an alarm system creates multiple obstacles for thieves to overcome, increasing the chances they’ll give up and move on to an easier target.
Benefits of Combining Security Solutions:
- Deterrence: Thieves are less likely to target a van that looks well-secured.
- Delay: The more time and effort it takes to break in, the less attractive your van becomes.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your van is protected allows you to focus on your work without constant worry.
Remember that if someone tries to steal your car, you should report it to the police.
Discover the Ultimate Van Security Solutions
If you’re looking for the best solutions to protect your van, look no further than our expert offerings. We provide cutting-edge security systems designed to safeguard your vehicle and its contents against theft and damage. With our reliable and tailored solutions, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your van is fully protected. Choose us for unmatched quality and trusted protection.
Conclusion
Van theft is a serious threat, but with the right security measures, you can protect your vehicle and everything inside it. From van locks and protection plates to van alarms and OBD port protectors, there are plenty of ways to safeguard your van. By combining these solutions, you’ll not only deter thieves but also ensure that your livelihood is secure.
Thieves are always searching for easy targets, so don’t leave your van unprotected. If you’re ready to upgrade your van security, we’re here to help. Let us help make your van a thief’s worst nightmare.
