What’s the latest in van security?

Ensuring that your van is secure is one of the main ways to prevent your tools from being stolen in the current tool theft epidemic. With a van being broken into every 23 minutes in the UK (PowerTools2U, 2018), and an average of £575 worth of contents stolen per break in (Logistics UK, 2019), it is crucial that extra van security measures are utilised to deter thieves, prevent attacks, and secure your van.

To help combat tool theft, we thought it could be helpful for Van Guard talk us through their latest van locks range and illustrate exactly what they do – and why.

Van security locks you may not know about!

For those not in the know, the ‘UltiLock’ van lock and shielding range enables tradespeople of the UK and Europe to maximise their vehicles security by giving them a vast amount of security solutions to choose from. The range comprises of hooklocks, deadlocks, slamlocks, slamhandles, Ford replacement locks, handle shields, loom guards, anti-peel brackets and internal and external shielding… and this is how they work.   

Hooklocks – for next level van security

Hooklocks are the next generation of van security deadlocks. They work in the same way as straight deadlocks, but a hook style bolt is thrown and hooks into the receiving bracket, offering next level security. By hooking over in addition to throwing into, hooklocks offer a higher level of security making it harder to force open and gain access to the vehicle.

Aftermarket hooklocks are the most popular and effective van security lock on the marketplace and the UltiLock Hooklock has been specifically designed and tested to be one of the strongest on the market.

Van Guard’s Hooklock is Secured by Design accredited, meeting the requirements of a Police Preferred Specification, and it was the first van Hooklock to be awarded Gold Standard status by Sold Secure, the UK’s most recognised premier security testing and certification house.

Deadlocks – to fit in the best possible location

When the UltiLock Hooklock isn’t practical, Van Guard recommend utilising a deadlock. Deadlocks are a common and popular additional security upgrade and work in the same way as hooklocks, but instead of throwing a hook into a receiving bracket, they throw a straight bolt.

Deadlocks are designed to be placed in the best possible location to help prevent against an attack.

For example, on certain vans, such as the Ford Transit Custom, thieves have started to attack the vans using a method commonly referred to as ‘peel and steal’.

In this method of attack, thieves crowbar open the top of the door and apply pressure to ‘peel’ down the top of the door to gain access to the van’s load area.

Van Guard has developed deadlocks in specific high positions that help to stop, and fight back against, this well-known attack. To help prevent the ‘peel and steal’ attack, Van Guard has also developed a range of anti-peel brackets in both high and low positions for the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom and the Dispatch, Expert, Pro-Ace and Vivaro.

Ford transit van locks – preventing ‘grip and spin’

Ford replacement locks are designed to prevent the common ‘grip and spin’ method of attack.

The Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom’s standard manufacturer’s locks are well documented as being extremely vulnerable to this type of attack.

Their door locks are prone to being picked and the cylinder easy to turn, hence the name ‘grip and spin’. The ‘grip and spin’ attack allows quick and easy access to the cab area and from here thieves can unlock the load area, allowing theft of any contents within.

Van Guard offer a Ford Replacement Lock, to protect against these common methods of attack. It is a direct replacement for the manufacturer’s lock and this common and effective security upgrade is a must for all Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom owners.

Loom Guards – low cost but highly effective van security upgrade

Unfortunately, the Ford Transit, Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit Connect are also vulnerable to attacks in which thieves cut the wiring loom to gain access to the vehicle.

Cutting the wiring loom can potentially unlock the van, and although a recent security upgrade to these models has stopped the doors from unlocking, the cost and inconvenience of replacing a wiring loom can be high. Van Guard offer a Loom Guard to protect the wiring looms, which is a low cost but highly effective security upgrade.

Internal and external shielding – protect your van and deter thieves

Another way to prevent attacks is by using internal and external shielding. Internal shields fit internally to protect vulnerable points in the van where thieves could drill or punch a hole in the van to allow access to either the door locking cable or door locking mechanism within the vehicles skin.

By gaining access, they can then pull the cable or actuate the mechanism to unlock the doors.

External shields have the same benefits of internal shields, but they also act as a visual deterrent to stop the attack happening in the first place.

They can also be used as a cost-effective repair method for vans that have already suffered an attack.

Shields are a very popular and effective additional security product, and Van Guard offer a wide range of internal, external and handle shields, in both stainless steel and black powder coat.

Slamlocks – also ideal for courier drivers when locking is essential every time

To prevent opportunistic thieves Van Guard developed the UltiLock Slamlock which is ideal for multi-drop delivery drivers, drivers who have high-value goods inside and locking is essential every time. It’s a great solution for owners who forget to lock their van and want to know it will be locked every time they close it.

Integrating with the OEM locking mechanism, when the van door shuts, the van is automatically locked without the need for any user interaction.

Slamlocks work by deactivating the vans factory fitted door handle and installing an additional surface mounted lock to the door.

Slamhandle –locking and shielding the often-weak factory fitted door handle

Similar to the UltiLock Slamlock, the UltiLock Slamhandle provides increased security to the often-weak factory fitted door handles – that can easily be broken into and bypassed by thieves.

Van Guard’s UltiLock Slamhandle is a direct stainless-steel replacement for the plastic OEM handles and include a Slamlock mechanism. Many of the UltiLock Slamhandles have additional internal shielding to further strengthen the surrounding area from attacks.

It’s A-Plan’s goal to help keep you and your van safe and on the road!

If you’re interested in finding out whether Van Guard’s additional locks could be fitted to your van, just complete this enquiry form and a local fitter will be in touch with all the advice you need.  

If you’d like to speak to one of A-Plan’s commercial van specialists about your cover, get in touch with your local business branch who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.