«««< HEAD If you use a van for work, then it’s more than just a set of wheels. It gets you from job to job, and is a vital part of your livelihood. If something should happen to steal your van or its contents, then you’re not going to be able to work, which will cost you and your business, both in terms of time and money. There’s no guarantee against the theft of a van or its contents, but there are plenty of things that you can do to make your van less attractive to thieves. Take some practical measures, and you could even save some money on insurance. Here are 10 top tips on how to secure your van and give yourself added peace of mind.

1. Always lock your van

It might sound simple, but locking your van every time you leave it is a great habit to get into. Whether you’re parking overnight or just popping to the shop after filling with diesel, it’s a good habit to wiggle your steering until the lock engages, and then lock your van’s doors behind you every time. Most new vans feature double locking, so you can lock and unlock the cab and cargo area separately, while some vans allow you to program the key with specific unlocking procedures. A new van will come with two keys, so make sure you know where they both are at all times. Most vehicle thefts occur after a home break-in, so if you’re not using the spare key, it’s probably best to keep it locked away.

2. Add some affordable upgrades

You don’t have to break the bank to add extra security to your van, but at the other extreme, don’t just go with the cheapest kit you can find. Saving a few Euros on poor-quality deadlocks is a false economy, so do your research before you buy. Some vans feature glass in their cargo doors. This can be a vulnerability, whether it’s to prying eyes or somebody trying to break into your van. Adding a dark-tinted window film to the inside of the glass will deter the former, while metal window bars will ensure your van’s interior door handles or its contents can’t be grabbed. You might have to stump up for replacement glass if they’re smashed, but at least the contents of your van won’t go walking.

3. Physical security is a visual deterrent

The best way to deter the opportunist thief is to add physical security devices that passers-by can clearly see. A steering wheel lock (either a large metal enclosure that secures around a steering wheel, or a long bar, both of which prevent the wheel from being turned) is the most obvious device, but you can also get boxes that slot over your van’s pedals, rendering them inaccessible and your van undriveable. As for the cargo area, extra locks on the doors will show that you’re serious about security, and they are most effective if you actually use them.

4. Tailor security to your needs

If you’re going to be keeping tools and materials in your van overnight, then you’ll need extra security for your load area. Slam locks and deadlocks will make it harder to access the cargo area, while lock shields provide added protection for your van’s standard door latches. If you’re fitting a van out, then it’s worth adding lockable toolboxes inside for added peace of mind. If you transport longer items on a (locking) roof rack, then a locking pipe carrier could be a worthwhile investment, too.

5. Use the latest tech

If your van is high-value, then it might be worthwhile adding some electronic security. A tracking device can help you keep an eye on your van’s location and status. However, you don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive system with monthly subscription costs to keep track of your van. The same objective can be achieved if you buy a phone with a cheap SIM card that you can keep in the glovebox, as long as you remember to keep the phone charged.

6. Protect against cat theft

Catalytic convertors contain precious metals, and while these are designed to clean up your van’s exhaust gases, the metals themselves are valuable, and cat theft is a rising crime that vehicle owners need to be aware of. Vans and pick-up trucks with a raised ride height are the most vulnerable, but you can buy extra steel shielding to make your cat less accessible to thieves.

7. Leave your van empty if you can

We’ve all seen those stickers that say, ‘No Tools Left in Van Overnight’, which could be a cheap deterrent for opportunist thieves, but the best way to prevent tools being stolen is to actually take them out of the van every night. It might seem like a chore, but the one night you don’t do it will be the one when someone decides to have a go at your van. If this does happen, then it’s recommended that you mark your tools with a UV pen, showing your house number/name and Eircode, so that if they are recovered at a later date, then you might be able to get your tools back.

8. Park sensibly

The best place to park your van securely would be in a locked garage. But not everyone has that luxury. The next best solution is on a gated drive, but an open drive can be made more secure with a drop-down post that can prevent your van being driven away. Whatever your options, a CCTV system linked to your home or work Wi-Fi is no longer an expensive option. If you’re parking on the street, then take a few simple precautions. Park in a well-lit area and a busy location. If there’s CCTV monitoring where you’re parking, even better. If you’re parking in a multi-storey car park (height restrictions permitting), then try and back up against a wall, so that the rear doors can’t be opened. The same goes for the side doors - find a parking bay next to a pillar or post that will make it harder to open. Again, if you’re parked on the street, stop next to a lamp post or tree to make access harder - if a thief needs to work to take your van, they’re less likely to bother in the first place.

9. Be security conscious

It’s good to get into a routine for van security, and if other people are using your van - or you manage a fleet - it’s a good idea to train everybody that uses a van to get into good habits. Make them take responsibility for a van they’re using so that they remember to lock it, secure it, hide any possessions and park in a way that makes a van less attractive to thieves. If you instigate good practice, then van security will come as second nature to any staff that use your van. And remember, make sure anyone who is driving your van is actually insured to drive it in the first place - if they’re not, it could complicate matters if you are in the unfortunate position of having to make a claim.

10. Make security a priority on a new van

If you’re buying a new van - whether you’re just upgrading or if you’ve been the victim of theft – then it’s good to know that van security has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years. Deadlocks are largely standard on all vans these days, as is secondary locking of the cargo area. Most new vans come with a full-height partition to separate the cab from the load area, too, making it even easier to keep either part of the van secure while the other section is in use. An alarm and immobiliser won’t necessarily be fitted as standard to a low-spec van, but the more you pay, the more likely they will be fitted. These systems will have been tested and approved by firms that specialise in vehicle security to confirm that they offer a good level of protection. Some vans can be set to lock their doors as soon as you drive off, while the very latest vans can be had with a built-in network connection, so you can monitor your van via a smartphone app - network coverage permitting. Once your van is secure and to your requirements, make sure you’re insured. And remember, shop around for quotes, and make sure you declare any additional security you’ve added, because it could result in a discount for your cover.

If you use a van for work, then it’s more than just a set of wheels. It gets you from job to job, and is a vital part of your livelihood. If something should happen to steal your van or its contents, then you’re not going to be able to work, which will cost you and your business, both in terms of time and money. There’s no guarantee against the theft of a van or its contents, but there are plenty of things that you can do to make your van less attractive to thieves. Take some practical measures, and you could even save some money on insurance. Here are 10 top tips on how to secure your van and give yourself added peace of mind.

1. Always lock your van

It might sound simple, but locking your van every time you leave it is a great habit to get into. Whether you’re parking overnight or just popping to the shop after filling with diesel, it’s a good habit to wiggle your steering until the lock engages, and then lock your van’s doors behind you every time. Most new vans feature double locking, so you can lock and unlock the cab and cargo area separately, while some vans allow you to program the key with specific unlocking procedures. A new van will come with two keys, so make sure you know where they both are at all times. Most vehicle thefts occur after a home break-in, so if you’re not using the spare key, it’s probably best to keep it locked away.

2. Add some affordable upgrades

You don’t have to break the bank to add extra security to your van, but at the other extreme, don’t just go with the cheapest kit you can find. Saving a few Euros on poor-quality deadlocks is a false economy, so do your research before you buy. Some vans feature glass in their cargo doors. This can be a vulnerability, whether it’s to prying eyes or somebody trying to break into your van. Adding a dark-tinted window film to the inside of the glass will deter the former, while metal window bars will ensure your van’s interior door handles or its contents can’t be grabbed. You might have to stump up for replacement glass if they’re smashed, but at least the contents of your van won’t go walking.

3. Physical security is a visual deterrent

The best way to deter the opportunist thief is to add physical security devices that passers-by can clearly see. A steering wheel lock (either a large metal enclosure that secures around a steering wheel, or a long bar, both of which prevent the wheel from being turned) is the most obvious device, but you can also get boxes that slot over your van’s pedals, rendering them inaccessible and your van undriveable. As for the cargo area, extra locks on the doors will show that you’re serious about security, and they are most effective if you actually use them.

4. Tailor security to your needs

If you’re going to be keeping tools and materials in your van overnight, then you’ll need extra security for your load area. Slam locks and deadlocks will make it harder to access the cargo area, while lock shields provide added protection for your van’s standard door latches. If you’re fitting a van out, then it’s worth adding lockable toolboxes inside for added peace of mind. If you transport longer items on a (locking) roof rack, then a locking pipe carrier could be a worthwhile investment, too.

5. Use the latest tech

If your van is high-value, then it might be worthwhile adding some electronic security. A tracking device can help you keep an eye on your van’s location and status. However, you don’t necessarily need to invest in an expensive system with monthly subscription costs to keep track of your van. The same objective can be achieved if you buy a phone with a cheap SIM card that you can keep in the glovebox, as long as you remember to keep the phone charged.

6. Protect against cat theft

Catalytic convertors contain precious metals, and while these are designed to clean up your van’s exhaust gases, the metals themselves are valuable, and cat theft is a rising crime that vehicle owners need to be aware of. Vans and pick-up trucks with a raised ride height are the most vulnerable, but you can buy extra steel shielding to make your cat less accessible to thieves.

7. Leave your van empty if you can

We’ve all seen those stickers that say, ‘No Tools Left in Van Overnight’, which could be a cheap deterrent for opportunist thieves, but the best way to prevent tools being stolen is to actually take them out of the van every night. It might seem like a chore, but the one night you don’t do it will be the one when someone decides to have a go at your van. If this does happen, then it’s recommended that you mark your tools with a UV pen, showing your house number/name and Eircode, so that if they are recovered at a later date, then you might be able to get your tools back.

8. Park sensibly

The best place to park your van securely would be in a locked garage. But not everyone has that luxury. The next best solution is on a gated drive, but an open drive can be made more secure with a drop-down post that can prevent your van being driven away. Whatever your options, a CCTV system linked to your home or work Wi-Fi is no longer an expensive option. If you’re parking on the street, then take a few simple precautions. Park in a well-lit area and a busy location. If there’s CCTV monitoring where you’re parking, even better. If you’re parking in a multi-storey car park (height restrictions permitting), then try and back up against a wall, so that the rear doors can’t be opened. The same goes for the side doors - find a parking bay next to a pillar or post that will make it harder to open. Again, if you’re parked on the street, stop next to a lamp post or tree to make access harder - if a thief needs to work to take your van, they’re less likely to bother in the first place.

9. Be security conscious

It’s good to get into a routine for van security, and if other people are using your van - or you manage a fleet - it’s a good idea to train everybody that uses a van to get into good habits. Make them take responsibility for a van they’re using so that they remember to lock it, secure it, hide any possessions and park in a way that makes a van less attractive to thieves. If you instigate good practice, then van security will come as second nature to any staff that use your van. And remember, make sure anyone who is driving your van is actually insured to drive it in the first place - if they’re not, it could complicate matters if you are in the unfortunate position of having to make a claim.

10. Make security a priority on a new van

If you’re buying a new van - whether you’re just upgrading or if you’ve been the victim of theft – then it’s good to know that van security has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years. Deadlocks are largely standard on all vans these days, as is secondary locking of the cargo area. Most new vans come with a full-height partition to separate the cab from the load area, too, making it even easier to keep either part of the van secure while the other section is in use. An alarm and immobiliser won’t necessarily be fitted as standard to a low-spec van, but the more you pay, the more likely they will be fitted. These systems will have been tested and approved by firms that specialise in vehicle security to confirm that they offer a good level of protection. Some vans can be set to lock their doors as soon as you drive off, while the very latest vans can be had with a built-in network connection, so you can monitor your van via a smartphone app - network coverage permitting. Once your van is secure and to your requirements, make sure you’re insured. And remember, shop around for quotes, and make sure you declare any additional security you’ve added, because it could result in a discount for your cover.

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