When it comes to securing your van, choosing the right locking system is crucial. The market offers a variety of options, from standard, widely used van hook locks to heavy-duty models that act as a visual deterrent to thieves. But which option is best? Should you opt for discreet and functional van locks or invest in robust security systems that scare off criminals at first sight?

Effectiveness and Discretion – Van Hook Lock

The most commonly chosen van security locks are deadlocks. Deadlocks require manual locking with a key, giving the user full control over their vehicle’s security. They are discreet, maintain the vehicle’s aesthetics, and do not attract too much attention. Van locks like these provide an essential layer of security for tradespeople and business owners.

Statement Lock – Visible Deterrence

If you want to ensure that thieves think three times before even attempting a break-in, Statement Lock is worth considering. These are large, highly visible security solutions that make a van appear heavily protected. Most thieves prefer quick and easy targets, and such prominent locks can effectively deter them.

However, not every van owner wants their vehicle to look like a mobile fortress. Statement Locks are bulky and noticeable, which may not appeal to those who value aesthetics, such as campervan owners. Additionally, these heavy-duty locks tend to be more expensive than standard van security options, but when compared to the potential financial loss of a break-in, they could be a worthwhile investment.

Which Lock Solution is Best?

Choosing between popular van locks and heavy-duty Statement Locks depends on several factors:

1. Do you often leave your van unattended? If so, visual deterrents are a smart choice.
2. Is your van new, and does appearance matter to you? In this case, discreet locks may be preferable.
3. Do you operate in high-crime areas? If yes, heavy-duty locks are a safer bet.
4. Are you planning to combine a security solution? If yes, the standard lock should be enough.

Conclusion

Both solutions have their pros and cons. It’s best to choose one based on your specific needs. If discretion and aesthetics matter most, standard locks are a solid option. However, if you want to maximize deterrence, opting for a heavy-duty lock will provide the best protection. Regardless of your choice, securing your van with reliable van locks is an investment that can save you from significant losses and stress.

If you’re unsure which option suits your vehicle best, get in touch with us – we can help you choose the right security solutions tailored to your needs!

Want to see how these van locks look in action? Check out our Instagram for real photos of our latest installations, security tips, and inspiration for protecting your van!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Deterrence: Thieves are less likely to target a van that looks well-secured.
2. Delay: The more time and effort it takes to break in, the less attractive your van becomes.
3. 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.

Campervans and motorhomes are more than just vehicles; they’re homes on wheels, built with care and love. As campervan and motorhome owners, you’ve likely seen the rising concern on social media about campervan burglaries and thefts. No one wants to return to their beloved camper after a weekend getaway or holiday only to find it has been broken into. While there’s no foolproof way to eliminate the theft risk, implementing a few key security measures like campervan security locks can significantly reduce it.

Start with the Basics – Pedal Lock and Steering Wheel Lock

Every campervan owner should begin with basic campervan security measures that deter opportunistic thieves. These solutions are affordable and effective:

1. Pedal Boxes: These devices lock the pedals, making it impossible to drive the vehicle even if a thief gains entry.
2. Steering Wheel Blockades: Highly visible and straightforward, these serve as a powerful deterrent against would-be burglars.

Basic measures like these can discourage amateur thieves and encourage them to move on to an easier target.

Mechanical and Electronic Security Lock

For enhanced protection, consider combining mechanical and electronic campervan security solutions. While basic measures deter casual theft attempts, advanced solutions protect against more determined criminals.

Alarms and Trackers for Van Security

1. Alarm Systems: A high-quality alarm system not only alerts you and those nearby of unauthorised access but also increases the likelihood of scaring away thieves before they complete their attempt.
2. GPS Trackers: Trackers are invaluable in recovering a stolen campervan. In the unfortunate event of a theft, GPS trackers can provide real-time location data to assist in its retrieval.

These electronic solutions act as both deterrents and recovery aids, offering peace of mind whether you’re at home or on the road.

Mechanical Campervan Locks

While tradespeople often opt for heavy-duty van locks and other van security solutions, campervans require a different approach. Security measures should strike a balance between protection and maintaining the visual appeal of your campervan.

From our experience in securing hundreds of campervans, we’ve found that installing one lock per door is usually sufficient. It doesn’t matter whether you have a bulkhead dividing the cab and the living area or you’ve removed it—locks on each door drastically reduce the chance of forced entry. While campervans have windows that can be smashed, this often involves significant hassle and noise for thieves. Adding another obstacle, like van security locks, further discourages attempts. This method acts as a visual and practical deterrent, often convincing thieves to move on to easier targets.

Why Campervan Security Matters?

For many owners, campervans represent more than just a vehicle; they’re a labour of love. Whether it’s a DIY conversion or a top-of-the-line motorhome, these homes on wheels hold sentimental and financial value. Installing campervan locks and other security measures ensures that potential thieves see your camper as too much of a challenge and choose to look elsewhere.

What About Locking the Campervan from the Inside?

This is a common question we hear from customers, and the answer comes down to safety! It’s essential to keep campervan doors accessible from the inside. Most van locks are designed to operate only from the outside, meaning locking all the doors could leave you with limited escape options in an emergency. Additionally, campervans often house flammable gas bottles, and locking yourself inside could create significant safety risks.

The good news? Van security lock manufacturers are stepping up, with innovative solutions tailored specifically for campervans. New locks that operate from both the inside and outside are now being released, designed for popular campervan models. These advancements strike the perfect balance between security and safety, offering peace of mind while ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation

Top Campervan Locks and Security Solutions in the UK

Protecting your campervan is essential for ensuring your adventures remain stress-free. Our range of premium security products is designed to provide unmatched protection for your campervan and everything inside. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a weekend explorer, we offer customized solutions to suit your needs. Trust our reliable security systems to keep your campervan safe, giving you peace of mind wherever your journey takes you.

Anti-theft Solution of Van – Conclusion

While no security solution can guarantee complete protection, adding layers of campervan security significantly reduces the risk of theft. Start with basic deterrents like pedal boxes and steering wheel blockades, then consider upgrading to more advanced options such as alarms, trackers, and campervan locks. Remember, the goal is to make your campervan an unappealing target for thieves, so you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

If you’re ready to secure your campervan, we’re here to help. With years of experience protecting campervans, we can recommend and install the best campervan security solutions tailored to your needs. Treating your campervan with respect and keeping it nice-looking is just as important as keeping it secure, and we strive to provide solutions that balance both aspects. Contact us today to learn more!

As a van owner and tradesperson, I know how important your van is to your livelihood. It’s more than just a vehicle—it’s your workshop, storage unit, and sometimes even your office. In recent months, van attacks have become increasingly brutal, with thieves showing little concern for the damage they cause. That’s why relying solely on basic van security locks, while still important, is no longer enough. Combining multiple van security solutions has become crucial to reducing the risk of theft.

Why Basic Van Locks Aren’t Enough Anymore?

Van locks are an essential deterrent, but they’re no longer impenetrable. Modern thieves often use aggressive methods, like cutting the bodywork around additional van locks, drilling holes, or damaging the bodywork around the original door mechanism to bypass the central locking and gain access to your van. These attacks may be noisy, but they’re shockingly quick and effective.

You might feel frustrated, thinking, “They’ll get in anyway” or “What’s the point of van locks?” But giving up on van security altogether is not the answer. Having no van security locks makes your van an easy target, increasing the likelihood of being the first victim. Let’s look at how you can stay ahead of the game.

Combining Vehicle Security Lock Solutions

To protect your van or van fleet, I recommend combining van locks with other van security measures like van protection plates. Protection plates provide an internal or external shield for the door mechanism, making it significantly harder for thieves to break in. When thieves encounter these additional protective barriers, they often give up and move on to an easier target.

Doubling up on van locks adds extra barriers, too. Visible deterrents, like advanced locks and reinforced plates, signal that your van is well-protected. Most opportunistic criminals won’t even bother trying to break into a van that looks like a fortress. This is particularly crucial for delivery drivers, who often leave their vehicles unattended during stops, making them prime targets for theft.

Why Removing Tools Every Night Isn’t Practical

Some people might suggest taking your tools out every night. While this might sound like a good idea, it’s often not realistic. If you’re anything like me, you’re working long hours and barely have time to rest or see your kids, let alone unload your van every evening. And let’s be honest—storing all those tools at home can create chaos, especially if you don’t have a dedicated storage space.

Drivers of custom vans designed for trades or delivery services know this all too well. These vehicles are often equipped with fittings to store tools and packages securely. Proper van security allows you to leave your tools safely in your van, saving you time and hassle while giving you peace of mind. You can focus on your work and your family, knowing your equipment and packages are protected.

Investing in Van Security Is Better Than Facing the Loss

Think of van security as an investment, not an expense. Let me break it down for you:

1. Replacing stolen tools can cost thousands of pounds; some sources estimate at least £2000 on average.
2. Add to that the expense of van repairs.
3. Then there’s the loss of income from days spent replacing tools and fixing your van.

Altogether, these losses can easily exceed at least £3000-£4000. Compare that to the cost of advanced van security measures, which usually range from £300 to £1200. It’s a small price to pay to avoid the financial and emotional toll of a break-in.

Delivery drivers and tradespeople, in particular, rely on their vans daily. The key to avoiding losses is to implement robust, layered security measures that deter thieves and protect what matters most.

The New Standard: Layered Security

Today, van security isn’t just about one van lock. Here’s what I recommend:

1. High-quality van locks (deadlocks, slamlocks, or replocks).
2. Van protection plates to shield vulnerable latch mechanisms.
3. Handle shields or anti-peel brackets to prevent forceful entry.

For high-risk situations, doubling up on these measures creates a fortress that makes your van nearly impossible to break into without serious effort and noise.

Visible deterrents, like custom signage indicating enhanced van security, can also make a big difference. When a thief sees that your van is well-protected, they’re more likely to move on.

Don’t Be the First in the Queue

You’ve probably heard people say, “They’ll get in anyway,” or “They’ll get through the roof,” or “My friend’s van was done anyway.” Yes, these situations can happen, but the goal is to reduce the risk and not be the first in the queue. Thieves look for easy targets, and by investing in layered van security, you can make your van the least appealing option on the street.

Best van lock and protection in UK

When it comes to safeguarding your van, don’t settle for less than the best. Our comprehensive range of van security solutions ensures top-notch protection for your vehicle and its contents. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, we offer tailored systems designed to meet your needs and give you peace of mind. Choose our trusted solutions and keep your van safe from potential threats!

Van security lock – Conclusion

Van theft in the UK is on the rise, but you don’t have to be a victim. By investing in advanced van locks, protection plates, and other measures, you can transform your van into a thief’s nightmare. Whether you’re a delivery driver, a tradesperson, or rely on your van for your livelihood, the right security measures will fit your needs and protect your valuable tools and equipment.

I know how important your van is to your livelihood. Let’s work together to make it a fortress and a real headache for anyone who dares to try. To take the first step, contact us here and protect your van today. The peace of mind and long-term savings will be worth every penny.